Well it is that time of the year again and if your little ones are anything like mine, they are probably getting pretty excited about carving pumpkins. Pumpkin carving is a very entertaining hobby but as with most hobbies you need to take precautions so that you and your little ones have a fun and safe experience.

Here are a few recommended safety tips so that everyone has a happy and fun filled Halloween.

Artificial Lights

Looking for a safe and secure way to light your pumpkin? Artificial lights make great alternatives for candles. Wal-Mart and many other great stores have inexpensive battery operated lights that are designed specifically for pumpkins. If you are unable to find the battery operated lights there are also pumpkin lights out there that you can plug into a wall. Just cut a notch out of the back of the pumpkin that allows you to run the electrical cord to the wall.

Sharp tools safety

We all probably already know that sharp tools like saws and knives are needed to carve pumpkins and that taking precautions when using the tools is a necessity. However, with that being said, if you have little ones that are going to get involved with the carvings this year, extra precaution needs to be taken.

The general rule here is safety first. Always supervise your young ones if you feel that they are old enough to participate with the actual carvings this year. Just remember to take your time when carving and be mindful of the sharp tools.

Properly gutting the pumpkin

One of the most important safety tips is to make sure that the pumpkin has been gutted properly. You want to insure that there is not any hanging pulp inside the pumpkin that could possible catch on fire (especially if the pumpkin was dried out).

Candle safety

Here are a few safety tips you may want to use if you plan to use candles in your pumpkin.

1. Never leave the lit candle unintended.

2. Create a chimney in the pumpkin – Basically a chimney is a hole that is cutout from the pumpkin’s upper back. The function of the chimney is to create an area that allows the heat from the candle’s flame to escape from the pumpkin.

3. Place the candles in a glass jar and the glass jar inside the pumpkin. The glass jar should provide additional stability for the candle.

4. When you gut the pumpkin, make sure that the bottom of the pumpkin is completely flat. This will provide a more secure base to put the candle on.

5. Cut the bottom of the pumpkin out verses the top; you can place the candle on the floor and sit the pumpkin over it. If you do decide to cutout the bottom of the pumpkin, make sure that you are placing the candle on a secure floor that does not have a chance of catching on fire.

6. Never use a candle in an artificial pumpkin. They are flammable and artificial light should be used when lighting the pumpkin.

Carving pumpkins is a fun activity for the entire family. I few extra safety steps can help insure that everyone has a fun and safe holiday.

By: Gerald Gore

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