Southeast Missouri cities offer guidelines for safe trick-or-treating

In Marble Hill, Mo., trick-or-treaters must be off the streets by 9:30 p.m., according to city clerk Carolyn Surface.

"It's required by ordinance," she said.

Other Southeast Missouri cities offered guidelines. Scott City police recommended going between 5 and 8 p.m.

"We don't have any set start times for trick-or-treating. Recommended times are 5 to 5:30 p.m. to no later than 9 p.m.," said Sgt. Barry Hovis, spokesman for the Cape Girardeau Police Department. "There is a curfew for unsupervised kids 16 and under. Monday through Thursday it's 11 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, it's midnight."

He said reminded parents to follow safety guidelines, keeping porch lights on if they are handing out candy.

"Parents should use good judgment as far as supervising children," he said. "It's an individual decision."

Lt. Rodney Barnes, spokesman for the Jackson Police Department, said hours, "as a general rule, start around 5 p.m. and end sometime before 10 p.m. All drivers should be aware of that."

He said parents guiding young children should carry flashlights and make sure children of all ages have some kind of reflective tape on their costumes for safety's sake.

All candy should be inspected.

"Anything that's open obviously, you want to dispose of that and not let your children eat it," he said. "Use good common sense."

Barnes said registered sex offenders on supervision "will be checked" to make sure they comply with Halloween rules.

A new Missouri law, challenged earlier this week, was stayed late Thursday and requires registered sex offenders to remain inside their homes between 5 and 10:30 p.m. on Halloween except for work or a medical emergency. In addition to keep outside lights off, they must post signs telling trick-or-treaters no candy is available and avoid contact with children.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

388-3646

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