Halloween is the one day of the year when you can become anything you want, with no questions asked. Whether your costume is Frankenstein or an enchanting woodland fairy, Halloween is a time for fun and family. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, engage in fun physical activity and above all focus on safety first. We have put together a simple checklist based on the Halloween health and safety tips set forth by the CDC to ensure this Halloween is the best ever. Check into the way we spell safe Halloween to make the most of you and your family’s holiday…

S – If knives, swords, daggers, wands or other related props are part of your child’s costume, make sure to keep them soft, short and flexible to avoid injury. Some Halloween costume  props can cause eye, face, and head injuries, so use a flexible material, such as cardboard

A – Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Always walk in groups and with a trusted adult.

F – Fasten reflective tape onto costumes and treat bags to ensure drivers see you clearly while trick-or-treating. Pick out or create a light-colored or bright costume that drivers can easily see. If your child wants to be dark and spooky, decorate the outside of his costume and treat bag with strips of reflective tape which can be found at your local hardware and other stores.

E –  Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering. Have your Mom or Dad, or a trusted adult check your treats from the evening before you eat them. Make sure your child understands that he/she isn’t allowed to sample any treats until you inspect them at home, Closely examine every piece of candy, and throw out ones that are unwrapped, have tears or pinholes on the wrapping, or just look suspicious.

Use Halloween make-up instead of masks to avoid decreasing visibility, plus you can create a custom look!

H – Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to enable visibility and to make sure others will see you too.

A – Always test make-up in a small area prior to the “big night” to check for allergic reaction. Remove all makeup thoroughly at the end of the evening to avoid irritation. When you choose Halloween makeup or face paint, be sure that it’s nontoxic. Then, do a patch test on a small section of your child’s skin a few days before Halloween to make sure he’s not allergic to the product. If a reaction of swelling begins to occur, call your pediatrician immediately.

L – Lower the risk of serious injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses. You should only buy and wear contact lenses prescribed by your eye doctor.

L – Look both ways before crossing the street while trick-or-treating and use established crosswalks whenever possible. The number of children who are hit by cars is four times higher on Halloween than on any other night– so always exercise extra caution!

It is time to carve the pumpkins and enjoy some Halloween fun!

O –  Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of road traffic to keep safe.

W – Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to prevent blocking your vision, trips and falls. A mask can make it difficult for your child to spot potential hazards when near a busy street or near a lot of other children. The mask could also scrape his face and eyes. Consider using non-toxic makeup instead.

E – Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Always avoid eating homemade treats prepared by strangers.

E – Enter homes ONLY if you are accompanied by a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit homes, never venture to doors where the home is dark.

N – Never play tricks or damage property if you don’t get a treat! Always be respectful and courteous to others — and always say “Thank You”!

Follow these tips and you are sure to turn the spookiest night of the year into the most fun for all ages– From our families here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville to yours, have a safe and happy Halloween!