*updated on Oct. 31 to include information about Caseyville

Children in Collinsville and Caseyville can trick-or-treat Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

At the City Council meeting Monday, Mayor John Miller reminded drivers to drive slowly and cautiously.

A child takes a break from trick-or-treating / Photo by Roger Starkey

Safety recommendations provided by the City of Collinsville and the Caseyville Police Department:

• Wear brightly covered clothing and add reflective tape to be more visible to drivers
• Don’t wear clothing that is a tripping hazard
• Make sure children can see through face masks
• Adults should accompany young children. Older children should trick-or-treat with at least one friend
• Try to go out in daylight, but carry a flashlight for when it gets dark
• Stay in well-lighted areas
• Advise children to stay in their neighborhood and only visit homes they know
• Only accept wrapped or packaged candy
• Parents should examine candy before allowing children to eat it
• Avoid hard plastic or wooden props, such as daggers or swords
• Never cross the street from between parked cars
• Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they can catch costumes and long wigs on fire
• Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard