On Sunday, Oct. 31, the Springfield Police Department’s C3 Forest Park Unit will hold a Trunk or Treat at the Elks Lodge from 12-2 p.m. at 440 Tiffany St.

“Our C3 Mason Square Unit held a successful Harvest Fest and Trunk or Treat this past weekend during which they and their co-sponsors handed out more than 200 bags of candy to our community’s children, and we are looking forward to another fun Trunk or Treat with our C3 Forest Park Unit this weekend,” Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said. “We know families are looking forward to celebrating Halloween and trick-or-treating with some sense of normalcy this year, and we encourage everyone to review and discuss with their children and teenagers tips to help them stay safe.”

The Springfield Police Department also urges families to protect themselves by taking the appropriate precautions against COVID-19 this year as they head out to enjoy Halloween.

SPD will be assisting with a vaccination event on Saturday, Oct. 30. The Springfield Vaccination Day will take place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Springfield Technical Community College, 1 Armory Square. Attendees can receive their first or second dose, third shot as a booster or flu shot. There will also be several activities and resources present at the event, including live music and performances, a kid-friendly COVID-19 prevention and awareness zone, costume and candy zone, mental health support and more. Additional event information and registration details can be found here.

The following safety measures are recommended by the City of Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services:

• Wear a face mask or face covering. A costume mask is not a substitute.
• Avoid confined spaces, large gatherings and maintain social distancing.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
• Avoid providing candy via a shared bowl, and instead use small, individual bags for each trick-or-treater.
• If possible, hand out treats outdoors and not by your door. This will help reduce gatherings in confined spaces – doorways, porches, steps, etc.
• If you are sick, or have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19 stay home and away from others.

In addition, the City of Springfield encourages groups and organizations to hold COVID-19-safe events, such as Halloween drive-through, drive-in or car parade events.

Costume Safety

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Any props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision
  or movement.
• Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costume.
• If children will be allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them a flashlight or glow sticks to ensure they are visible to drivers.
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it on a small area of skin first.
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Trick-or-Treat Safety

According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help prevent such a tragedy, parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to consider these tips before heading out:

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
• If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow. 
• Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Driving Safety

Those who plan to be on the road during trick-or-treating hours are encouraged to review the following safety tips:

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

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