Costumes should be flame-retardant and fit properly. Avoid oversized shoes, high heels and long skirts or pants that could cause a child to fall. Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting. Under parents' supervision, children ages 5 to 10 can carve with pumpkin cutters equipped with safety bars.
Votive candles are safest for candlelit pumpkins.
Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects and should never be left unattended. Parents should check treats at home. Watch for signs of tampering, such as small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packages. Parents of young children should get rid of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.