SCHOOL'S IN SESSION

When school begins, it's important to watch for children darting across roads.

Slow down around school buses and school zones! Don't pass a bus with flashers on.

LEAF BURNING

Leaf burning is NOT allowed in Cook County!

BACKYARD FIRE PITS

●  Keep the fuel pile small and contained within any outdoor fire unit.

●  Keep the device a safe distance from buildings or other combustible material, at least ten-feet from your house and three-feet from outdoor furniture.

●  Fire units are unsuitable for use on decks of multi-family type residences, such as an apartment building or duplexes.

●  Fire experts recommend using untreated hardwood in these manufactured pits, though some units are fired with natural gas or liquid propane.

●  Don't use gasoline, lighter fuel or other flammables to start the fire. Use some paper and kindling. Fire starters will cut down on the smoke that comes from burning paper.

●  You should be careful not to stack the wood to high.

●  A fire will last longer and be safer, if you start small.

BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:

• ●  A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• ●  Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
• ●  While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O' Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
• ●  Always keep Jack O' Lanterns far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
• ●  Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
• ●  Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
• ●  Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
• ●  Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
• ●  Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
• ●  Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
• ●  Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• A Parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Remind Trick-or-Treaters:
  • ●  By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
  • ●  Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
  • ●  Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
  • ●  Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • ●  If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • ●  Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • ●  Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
  • ●  Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
  • ●  Always walk. Never run across a street.
  • ●  Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
  • ●  Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
  • ●  Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
  • ●  Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
  • ●  No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
  • ●  Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• ●  Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• ●  Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
• ●  Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

CHANGE YOUR CLOCK, CHANGE YOUR BATTERY

Firefighters know that home fire safety is important. That's why the Orland Fire District urges you to adopt a simple, potentially life saving habit: Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clocks back to standard time each Fall.

The "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Energizer brand batteries.

We urge you to arm yourself against home fires by taking basic safety precautions that include installing fresh batteries in smoke detectors.