As the schools in the area begin to open up for the fall school year, Sioux Falls Police Officer Sam Clemens encourages parents to talk to their kids about safety.

"If kids are going to walk to school, make sure the parents walk with them.  Do it before the first day of school and get it done ahead of time. Make sure they're familiar with the route. Know where to cross the street and keep a watch out for cars."

Clemens recommends elementary school aged children have a safe house.

"If there is some type of problem or trouble on the way to school or coming home from school---they should know where to get some help. The main thing is being aware of the traffic.There's going to be a lot of cars out."

Here are some more safety tips:

Talk to your children and reinforce their rules of stranger danger.

Make sure not to pack foods for lunch or sacks that spoil quickly.

Talk to your child about bullies and bullying. Explain to them what to do if a situation arises.

Sioux Falls Public Schools open next Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

When traveling by school bus:

 

 

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