Halloween is one of the most fun and exciting holidays. Dressing up, collecting free treats and going to Halloween parties all make some of the best childhood memories.

The word Halloween is derived from All Hallows’ Eve, the day before All Saints’ Day. It was on the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church until 1956 when the calendar was simplified. Various other customs associated with Halloween came from medieval Christian and pre-Christian societies in Europe.

To keep Halloween a safe and fund holiday, here is a list of safety suggestions from the Centers of Disease Control:

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

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

l Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

l Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.

l Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

l Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

l Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

l Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

l Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

l Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

l Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

l Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

l Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

l Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

You can find more Halloween safety tips for parties and foods at http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/index.htm.

Have a happy and safe Halloween adventure this year.(MGNonline)