Trick – or – Treating GUIDELINES

Springfield, Illinois – The City of Springfield along with the Villages of Grandview, Jerome, Leland Grove, and Southern View have announced Halloween trick-or-treating hours. Trick-or-treating will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

As a reminder, it is optional for individuals to welcome trick-or-treaters to their residences. Residents who wish to greet trick-or-treaters may do so by turning on their porch lights. Homes without their porch lights on should NOT be visited.

It is strongly encouraged that anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy on a table on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least six-feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing. We understand Halloween is a holiday many individuals enjoy, especially children.

However, we ask that everyone please be mindful that the virus is still present in our community and proper precautions need to be taken. These precautions do not only impact your family. It impacts the safety of your neighbors, neighborhood, and local businesses.

The State of Illinois has provided additional guidance for those planning on trick-or-treating.
• All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain social distance of at least six-feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.
• Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain six-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are
discouraged.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.
• Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after proper handwashing.
As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should
discard unwrapped candy.

Businesses who wish to greet trick-or-treaters are asked to follow the same guidelines as those outlined for homes. As a reminder, guidelines for Phase 4 business operations including social distancing, capacity, and mask requirements are still in effect. To review the State of Illinois’ Halloween guidelines, please visit . . .

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/halloween-guidance

SPRINGFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT REMIND FAMILIES SAFETY FIRST THIS HALLOWEEN
In addition to the health precautions outlined for trick-or-treating, the Springfield Fire Department would like to remind families to be safe from other dangers this Halloween.
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.