Cut carefully when carving pumpkins

Nothing says Halloween like a jack-o’-lantern, but watch your hands and fingers if you’re doing the carving! The American Society for Surgery of the Hand says it’s important to use a knife that’s designed for carving. A large, sharp knife may become stuck in the pumpkin, and you could injure yourself while trying to dislodge it. Instead, use a pumpkin carving kit.

Make sure your hands are completely dry to maintain a good grip on the knife or tool. When cutting, be sure to cut away from your body and use small strokes.

“Should you cut your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on its own by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth,” the ASSH says. “If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be required.”

Kids shouldn’t carve pumpkins, but they can still participate in decorating by emptying the seeds or painting the pumpkin.