KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thousands of kids are getting ready to trick or treat this Halloween, and police are urging parents to follow some tips to make sure your child is safe while having fun.
- Make sure your child can see. Masks shouldn’t block their vision.
- Arrange for children to trick or treat in groups.
- Be aware of the neighborhoods your kids are going to and whose houses they’re knocking on.
In Missouri, registered sex offenders are required to keep their lights off during Halloween.
According to the Missouri Sheriff’s Association, if their crime happened in 2008 or after, they also have to post a sign saying they’re a sex offender and can’t serve candy.
“There are units that drive around on Halloween night to the registered sex offenders houses to make sure that their porch lights are off,” KCPD Sgt. Jonathan Cranston said. “But there's always going to be someone who doesn't follow the rules. Pay attention to your kids, stay close and it's going to be a safe and fun evening.”
In Kansas, there isn’t a law that stops sex offenders from participating in Halloween activities, unless they’re on parole or probation restrictions.
Police said another big risk on Halloween is being hit by a car.
“The sidewalks get crowded, there's lots of people out and it's a natural thing to flow out into the street,” Cranston said. “Take a little extra time. It's not a race. Stay on the sidewalk.”
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Halloween is one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and deaths.
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