Halloween Safety Information
The Village of Hanover Park has received inquiries regarding trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Halloween approaches, the Village would like to provide some information to assist residents.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released Halloween Guidance that emphasizes the continued need for social distancing, proper handwashing and for participants to wear masks or face-coverings. Information includes recommendations for neighborhood trick-or-treating as well as other Halloween-inspired activities and events.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Halloween includes low, moderate and high risk activities associated with Halloween. Please note that traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is considered a high-risk activity by the CDC.
Additional Safety Information
Residents are reminded that Hanover Park does not have any ordinances that regulate trick-or-treating. The Village's traditional hours have been from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31st.
The Village understands that not everyone may feel comfortable participating in trick-or-treating this year. It will be up to families and parents to decide if and how they should participate in Halloween activities. Village staff has designed signs for residents to print and place in their windows, doors or other highly visible areas for trick-or-treaters to identify whether they are participating in trick-or-treating. The signs can be downloaded from our website or residents may pick up a copy at Village Hall.
For those participation in trick-or-treating, families going door-to-door are reminded to please wear a face covering at all times, keep trick-or-treating groups small and maintain safe distances from other groups when moving from house to house. Families choosing to pass out candy are also encouraged to wear face coverings, wear gloves and pass out prepackaged treats.
Do not participate in trick-or-treating or other activities if you, or a member of your group, feels unwell, is awaiting COVID-19 test results, or have been exposed to COVID-19.
Regardless of which activities you choose to take part in, please take extra precautions to maintain social distancing, wear masks or face coverings, avoid touching of the face (mouth/nose/eyes), and use hand sanitizer often.
General Halloween Safety
Trick-or-Treaters:
• Have a flashlight or reflector.
• Stay in a group and if a parent isn’t with you, make sure they know the route you will follow.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Walk slowly and don’t run!
• Always cross streets at the corner and look both ways.
• Use the sidewalk and don’t cut through yards.
• Know your address and phone number.
• Never try to pet an animal you don’t know
Parents:
• Make sure your child’s costume is bright, reflective, and made of flame retardant material. Also make sure it fits well and does not drag.
• Make sure your child has a flashlight and reflectors.
• Have an adult or responsible older child accompany your child.
• Know the route they are going.
• Make sure your child has a good meal before trick or treating and knows not to eat anything before you check it.
• Make sure your child know his or her address and telephone number and how to reach you.
• Make sure your child knows the difference between pranks and vandalism.
Please keep in mind that some people may be at higher risk for COVID, so parents and trick-or-treaters are asked to be respectful of neighbors who will not be participating in handing out candy.