Sangamon Sun

Halloween, celebrated for centuries and now one of the most popular holidays in the United States, is expected to see record spending in 2025. Estimates indicate that $13.1 billion will be spent on Halloween-related goods this year, with more than 70% of Americans planning to participate in festivities such as visiting haunted houses, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating.

While Halloween offers opportunities for fun and community gatherings, it also brings certain risks. Emergency room visits tend to increase on October 31 due to incidents like cuts from pumpkin carving, falls during trick-or-treating, and allergic reactions to candy ingredients such as peanuts. Many of these injuries can be prevented by following recommended safety precautions.

Some suggested safety measures include choosing flame-resistant costumes that fit properly to avoid tripping hazards; using non-toxic makeup instead of masks that could limit vision; and avoiding colored contact lenses unless prescribed by a doctor. It is also advised not to let young children carry sharp objects or long accessories like swords that might cause injuries. Parents are encouraged to add their child’s name, address, and phone number to candy baskets in case children get lost.

For families whose children plan to trick-or-treat without adult supervision, establishing a buddy system is recommended. Planning a walking route and setting a curfew can help keep children safe. Children should be instructed not to enter strangers’ homes or vehicles and should know how to call 9-1-1 if needed.

When decorating at home, experts recommend using flameless lights inside jack-o-lanterns rather than candles and ensuring young children do not carve pumpkins themselves. Checking all treats for signs of tampering or allergens before consumption is another important precaution.

Pedestrian safety remains a major concern on Halloween night. With increased foot traffic from excited children and a higher risk of impaired drivers on the road, October 31 is considered one of the most dangerous days for child pedestrians each year. To reduce these risks, it is suggested that trick-or-treating take place before dark in familiar neighborhoods; costumes should feature reflective tape or accessories like glow sticks or flashlights for visibility; groups should stay together; sidewalks should be used whenever possible; roads crossed only at crosswalks after checking both ways; and attention paid to vehicles backing out of driveways or alleys.

Keicher, a Republican who was elected in 2018 to represent Illinois' 70th House District after replacing Robert W. Pritchard (https://ballotpedia.org/Jeff_Keicher), has supported community awareness efforts related to public safety during holidays such as Halloween.

“Following these safety tips can prevent most accidental injuries,” states the guidance issued ahead of this year’s celebrations.