Happy Halloween from all of us at Patrick Volvo Cars!

Halloween is one of the most memorable nights for children of all ages. The costumes, the candy, the adventure-it’s a time you constantly look back on and admire your youth, and the fun you had! Whether you’re trick-or-treating with your kids, or staying home handing out candy, here are some safety tips for you to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable night! If you’re in the Schaumburg area, recommended trick or treating hours are 3:00pm to 7:00pm during daylight hours!

For trick-or-treaters

• General Safety:
  • Before going out, set a time frame on when to return home, plan and discuss the trick-or-treat route, and know the names of older children's companions. 
  • Children should trick-or-treat on well-lit streets in their own neighborhood. Parents or other responsible adults should accompany young children.
• Visibility:
  • Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights on costumes and bags to make trick-or-treaters visible to drivers.
  • Carry a flashlight to see sidewalks and paths clearly.
  • Wear light-colored clothing to increase visibility.
• Costumes:
  • Ensure costumes are the right size to prevent tripping.
  • Avoid masks that block vision; opt for face paint or makeup instead.
  • Choose flame-resistant materials and keep capes or other accessories short and flexible.
  • Make sure any makeup is non-toxic and test it in a small area of skin first.
  • Layer under your costume, as it usually gets cold on Halloween, especially after the sun goes down! 
• Behavior:
  • Always walk, not run, and stick to sidewalks.
  • Stay in a group and have a buddy with you at all times.
  • Walk only on well-lit streets within your neighborhood.
  • Cross the street at corners or crosswalks after looking both ways.
  • Stay on the stoop or porch and do not go into anyone's house or car.
• Candy:
  • Wait to eat candy until an adult has inspected it at home.
  • Discard any unwrapped or homemade treats.
  • Only eat factory-wrapped candies. 

For homeowners

• Lighting:
  • Keep your house and walkway well-lit to help trick-or-treaters see their way.
• Yard:
  • Remove any tripping hazards like garden hoses, rakes, or decorations from your lawn, steps, and walkways.
• Candles:
  • Avoid using real candles, especially in jack-o'-lanterns. Use battery-operated or LED candles instead to prevent fires.
• Pets:
  • Keep family pets in a separate room or kenneled to prevent them from startling or biting trick-or-treaters. 

We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday! Remember these safety tips, enjoy a fang-tasic night, and most importantly, enjoy the candy!