With Halloween fast approaching, Sioux Falls Police Spokesman Sam Clemens says now is the time for parents to lay the ground rules for their children.

"Let the kids know what is appropriate and what's not appropriate. If you have lights on at a house---make sure you're going there. If there are no lights on, don't go there. The biggest thing that parents can do is to made sure the kids are crossing at corners and not crossing in the middle of the street. Kids get pretty excited and they may not pay attention to cars. Hopefully the motorists are paying attention at the cross walks and the corners. That's where people normally cross the street."

If you are in the process of buying or making a Halloween costume, Clemens offers this advice for parents.

"When parents get the costumes for their kids they may not be anticipating wearing some heavier clothes. It's something to consider. Make sure there is good visibility and a reflector on it. That makes it easier for drivers to see the kids."

Clemens urges parents to examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.

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