Sikeston DPS offers safety tips for parents trick-or-treating

SIKESTON, Mo. (KFVS) – Halloween is exactly one week away and kids from across the Heartland are heading out for trick-or-treating fun.

In some communities, local officials are preparing to take to the streets with them.

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety has been preparing for the popular evening and the safety of children is their top priority.

Sergeant Tyler Rowe drove Heartland News through a neighborhood on Main Street in Sikeston.

A calm, sunny day, but in just a week it will be a trick-or-treating hotspot.

“We want to be present and visible so everyone can feel safe,” said Sgt. Rowe.

Haunted Day is full of costumes and children working to fill their bags with candy.

As they go door to door, Sgt. Rowe said numerous officers will be nearby and some will volunteer their time to keep an eye on things.

“Stripes in the areas where there are larger numbers of people who would not normally be in the neighborhood and who might also be at several regulars or treats that are here in the city and those of churches and other organizations we have,” said Sgt. Rowe said.

Rowe told us parents can make the trick-or-treating experience both fun and safe.

“The fun thing you can do for your kids is to buy glow sticks or something like that or light up a bracelet or a necklace that can show your child and make them visible in some way,” Sgt. Rowe explained.

As our drive through the neighborhood ended, he offered a special way to make sure you don’t lose your child.

“If you need to put a name tag on the back saying you know where you are, please call that number with your name,” Sgt. Rowe said. “I’ve seen parents go so far as to put Sharpie on a child’s arm and then seal it with clear nail polish so it doesn’t smudge.”

Rowe hopes everyone pays attention to their surroundings and has a fun Halloween.

“Make sure we just enjoy the day and have a good time,” Rowe said.

Rowe also told Heartland News that if a house’s porch light isn’t on, you shouldn’t approach it. He also says the city’s curfew will be enforced for children under 18.

Copyright 2024 KFVS. All rights reserved.