Creating a well-carved pumpkin involves sharp knives, sketches, and a whole lot of patience. Did you know, however, that carving your jack-o-lantern isn’t always the most hazardous part of spooky decorating? In fact, carved pumpkins can often display more than their fair share of dangers. This year, make sure that you carefully follow these safety tips for displaying your jack-o-lanterns.
Clean up ASAP
As soon as your pumpkin is done, you may be tempted to place it on the porch and go inside for a glass of cider. Before you do, clean up ASAP. After all, you don’t want to leave sharp objects or pumpkin insides laying around. That can be dangerous for kids and animals, and it can also attract bugs.
Keep an Eye on Your Pumpkin
It always seems to happen so fast! One moment, your carved pumpkin looks prize-worthy and the next, it’s falling apart. Rotted pumpkins can even be a tripping hazard too. So, always keep an eye on your pumpkin—and its condition. Sadly, this means you may need to say good-bye to it before Halloween if you carve too early.
Wait to Carve
Busy homeowners—this is one of the safety tips for displaying your jack-o-lanterns that you’ll really like. Carving sooner rather than later can mean yucky, rotten pumpkins. So, if you can, wait a little longer to carve so that your pumpkin stays in good shape.
Remember the Insects—and Prepare Accordingly
Come Oct. 31, you’ll have a whole host of little ghouls and goblins visiting your home. While it’s tradition to give costumed kiddos some delicious candy, insects may come a-munching on your pumpkins. Try and keep discrete traps out—or have a pest control company spray for common insect invaders before the holiday.
Clean, Clean, Clean
Let’s say you have a few leaves in your yard. They may not be near your lit jack-o-lantern, but a fall breeze can blow them right into the flames, causing a bigger fire. Before you set out your pumpkin, make sure your yard is as clean as possible from leaves, debris, and more.
Test for Tripping Hazards
Little kids can be clumsy! Add in long costumes and masks, and they’re more likely to trip on their way to the candy. Not only should you keep pumpkins clear of walkways, but you should test to make sure that there are no tripping hazards—including your jack-o-lantern.
Lay off the Candles
Candles mean fire. And fire—well, it has the potential to turn into a big blaze. Consider adding a mini lightbulb shaped like a candle instead of the real deal. Then, your pumpkin will still have the intended effect without all the danger. On the other hand, you could also cut out carving altogether and paint your pumpkins instead.
Summary
Many homeowners love Halloween! There’s nothing more fun than setting out decorations and getting out candy for sweet trick-or-treaters. Though it’s a spooky holiday, it shouldn’t actually be dangerous. That’s why you should follow these important safety tips for displaying your jack-o-lanterns.
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