Halloween is certainly one of the more playful holidays we celebrate. Kids and adults dress up as monsters, celebrities, heroes, ghouls and imaginary things that no one has ever seen. Tons of candy is spread throughout the nation and parents post thousands of pictures of costumed kids heading out the door to gather their bounty.

While Halloween is old hat for some of us, every year a new crop of trick-or-treaters makes their debut.

Over the years Halloween has shifted a little from extensive neighborhood prowling to more organized festivities such as sponsored haunted houses, school functions and block parties.  Wherever families choose to go, there's usually something fun and exciting for all ages to enjoy.

If this isn't your child's first Halloween adventure, you may already be familiar with some common-sense safety suggestions. It doesn't hurt to review though.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established this rather clever outline for child safety.

S-  Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

A- Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

F- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

E- Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.

H- Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating so you can be seen.

A- Always test make-up in a small area first for skin sensitivity. Remove it at bedtime.

L- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks when possible.

L- Lower your risk for eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

O- Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road.

W- Wear well fitted masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision and tripping.

E- Eat only factory wrapped treats.

E- Enter houses only with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit homes.

N- Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure costumes or clothing is flame-resistant.

One other thought about Halloween this year. Thousands of children on the East Coast were planning on spending Halloween with their friends and families doing what children do on Halloween. Instead they will be dealing with the devastation created by hurricane Sandy. Let's remember to keep these families in our prayers and thoughts as they try to rebuild their lives after this real-life monster of a storm. 

Have a safe and happy Halloween from the Kid's Dr. family.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/print.do? url=http%3A//www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/