The Marshall Police Department issued a reminder for parents to take time while preparing for Halloween festivities to consider basic safety precautions.

"Children should wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight," said Asst. Chief Leland Benoit.

About 94 percent of children between the ages of four and 12 participate in Halloween activities each year, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

"We're concerned with their safety more than anything else and want to alert parents to some of the dangers that can be out there," he added.

The NCMEC has compiled the following list of 10 things parents should know to keep their kids safe:

Choose bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.

Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.

Never send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult.

Older children should always travel in groups.

Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don't let children enter a home unless you are with them.

Be sure children do not approach any vehicle — occupied or not — unless you are with them.

Discuss basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.

Consider organizing a home or community party as an alternative to trick-or-treating.

Make sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.

Teach children to say "NO!" or "this is not my mother/father" in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat or leave with them.

Teach them they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.

Remind children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.

"Parents should monitor their kids at all times. Sometimes on these evenings we have lost children, even temporarily lost," said Benoit.

"Parents should know where they are at all times," he added.

"We want our kids to have a safe and happy Halloween and to take the precautions that will keep it that way."