by E K Stapleton

Created on: October 23, 2010

One of my favourite Halloween traditions is carving the pumpkin. It's a chance for the entire family to have some fun and get creative, as long as safety is remembered. After all carving does involve the use of sharp tools, so safety measures need to be followed. These pumpkin carving safety tips will help to ensure the experience is safe and enjoyable for all.

1. Choose a large pumpkin with a light orange color. These tend to have a softer skin and are easier to carve through.

2. Carve your pumpkin on a flat, dry surface. An uneven surface will cause your pumpkin to move around, which will increase your chances of cuts and injuries. Be sure your work area, carving tools and hands are dry. Any moisture present can lead to slipping and of course injuries.

3. Always provide adult supervision. Even if you think your child is old enough to do the actual carving, stand by with a watchful eye. It takes just mere seconds for an injury to occur. Better to be safe than sorry.

4. Be smart when carving your pumpkin. Carve in a direction away from you, never towards yourself. Cut with small controlled strokes of your carving tool. Leave the carving to an adult and let the kids clean the goop and guts from the inside.

5. Use a pumpkin carving kit if possible. They come with a small serrated saw that works nicely through the pumpkin and isn't likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin skin. If a slip does occur, it isn't sharp enough to cause a deep cut. A sharp knife on the other hand tends to become lodged in the skin, requiring a great deal of force to remove it. This is an accident waiting to happen.

6. Ensure the inside is properly cleaned out. Any hanging pulp or seeds could present a fire hazard as they dry out.

7. Use a battery operated candle or a glow stick to illuminate your pumpkin. These are a lot safer than a lit candle.

8. If using a real candle, never leave it unattended. Place your candle in a glass jar for added stability inside the pumpkin.

9. Be sure to carve a hole in the back of your pumpkin to act like a chimney. This will allow smoke and heat to escape from inside the pumpkin.

10. Carving the pumpkin an be avoided all together. Provide your child with some paint, glue, glitter, stickers or whatever else you may have and let them decorate the pumpkin however they wish. Kids love this idea.

Carving the pumpkin is one of the best Halloween traditions. Follow these tips to ensure everyone is safe and secure. Now start carving those pumpkins and let's see those jack-o-lanterns glow.

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