Safer trick or treating: Du Quoin fire & police handing out 700 glow sticks

The Du Quoin Fire and Police Department have come together to promote a safe and fun Halloween.

The departments will be handing out glow sticks to trick or treaters on the evening of Friday, October 30 from 5 until 8 p.m. in the parking lot just north of the City hall and the parking lot of the Du Quoin High School.

The 700 glow sticks are being provided in an effort to increase visibility and safety to all trick or treaters on a first come first serve basis while supplies last.

Du Quoin police officers and firefighters donated personally to this project.

Simply bring your trick or treater by one of the locations and a glow stick will be activated and given to them to wear while they are having a fun and safe night of trick or treating.

Some common safety tips to follow while out trick or treating:

•Plan your route ahead of time.

•Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.

•Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.

•Take along a cell phone for emergencies.

•Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.

•Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.

•Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.

•Walk. No running.

•Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.

•Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.

•Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.

•Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.

•Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.

•Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.

•Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.

•Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.

•Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.

•Always watch for cars backing up or turning.

•Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.

•Never accept rides from strangers.

•Respect other people and their property.

•Be polite and say "thank you".

•Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.

•Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.

•Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.

•Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.

For further information you can call the Du Quoin Fire Department at 618-542-5600 or the Du Quoin Police Department at 618-542-2131.