Many of us are putting the finishing touches on our Halloween costumes and decorations, but police are using the build-up to remind parents to keep their kids safe.

Chandler Police Sgt. Joe Favazzo reminded parents to always accompany kids while trick-or-treating and to carry a flashlight.

“If you show up at a house and the lights are out, just pass it up,” he said. “Don’t go up to a dark house like that. It probably means they don’t want trick-or-treaters coming by.”

Favazzo said parents should also try to move in groups and keep a cell phone on them in case of emergencies.

Favazzo also said parents should check their kids’ candy for evidence of tampering and, unless you trust a neighbor, to throw out homemade treats.