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As costumed children get ready to walk through Lake Forest and Lake Bluff streets this Halloween, both communities have set their official trick-or-treat hours.

Lake Forest will allow trick-or-treating from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31.

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The Lake Forest Police Department encourages families to take several safety precautions:

  • Stick to sidewalks and use crosswalks when available
  • Young children should be accompanied by an adult, caretaker or older sibling
  • Take a cellphone photo of children in costume in case they become separated
  • Choose bright costumes and carry a flashlight or a glow stick
  • Keep groups together by using a buddy system and exchanging contact information with other families

In Lake Bluff, trick-or-treating is permitted from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Lake Bluff Police Department will hand out free hot dogs at its headquarters, 45 E. Center Ave., during those hours while supplies last.

Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.