Law enforcement agencies gives tips to stay safe on Halloween night
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Halloween night can be full of spooky fun and sweet treats, but it doesn't come without safety tips and tricks to know while roaming the streets.
Trick-or-treaters and parents need to stay safe on Halloween night.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,200 Halloween-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments.
Sgt. Jeremy Peters with the St. Joseph Police Department shared multiple tips for parents and children on Halloween.
While trick-or-treating, if a child gets lost, they should contact the police immediately.
"That's going to pose a unique set of challenges with all of the costumes and masks and everything like that. But call 911, let us know," Peters said. "Suspicious activity, missing kids, lost parents, whatever the case may be, we will respond as quick as possible and try to get that result."
Peters said while trick-or-treating, try to stay in well-lit areas and have a flashlight with you.
"Use sidewalks, wherever they're available, try to have flashlights or reflective clothing with you so that you can be seen. Just general things like that," said Peters. "You know, just be aware of your surroundings."
Peters wants to remind trick-or-treaters not to eat their candy until they are done trick-or-treating, so they can check their candy at home under a light.
"There's always a possibility that somebody with bad intent could try to do something. Just make sure everything is sealed in original packaging as best you can," he said. "Let your parent or guardian inspect it before you know as a kid that you would go around eating the candy that you get."
Peters also said to be aware when crossing the street.
"I think just be visible. A lot of costumes are dark and that's part of the fun," he said. "Be visible when you're crossing the street. Make sure you're looking both ways. Take the extra time".
On Halloween night, sex offenders are required to stay in their homes from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office conducts patrols on Halloween night to make sure all sex offenders are abiding by the law.
Investigator Kenneth Shryock said parents can check the Missouri State Highway Patrol's website for sex offenders in the area.
"They can put their addresses in there. They're going to, and that will pull up all the offenders in that area and kind of map it out for them," he said.
Overall, Peters hopes everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.
"We want to wish everybody a happy Halloween! We hope everybody is safe," he said. "And if anybody ends up needing anything, don't hesitate to call."
