Stranger danger

* Keeping children safe from predators, other hazards on Halloween.

Every Halloween parents worry about the safety of their children. Usually the concern is focused on if the candy they receive is safe but a new Missouri law focuses on those who potentially give out that candy.

The new law, Revised Statutes of Missouri 589.426, regulates sexual offenders on Halloween. Any person who has to register as a sexual offender must follow these new rules on Oct. 31: Avoid all Halloween-related contact with children; Remain inside his or her residence between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies; Post a sign at his or her residence stating, "No candy or treats at this residence"; and leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m.

Vernon County Sheriff Ron Peckman said the new law went into effect in August.

"We looked at the new law and wrote a letter informing all the people on the sex offender registry about the new rules," Peckman said. "We'll be out on Halloween making sure they are obeying the law."

Parents are warned to know where their children are, and to accompany those too young to go alone.

The National Safety Council has a list of advice for Halloween safety.

* Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.

* Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.

* Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.

* Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lighted and never to enter a stranger's home.

* Establish a return time.

* Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.

* Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/

traffic safety rules.

* Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

Parents aren't the only ones who should be careful --motorists need to watch out also.

* Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.

* Watch for children walking on roadways and curbs.

* Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

* At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

These and other safety tips can be found online at: http://www.nsc.org/resources/Factsheets/hl/halloween.aspx