OUR BLOG

Easter is this Sunday and as it quickly approaches there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind in order to maintain a happy holiday. Easter is a holiday that commonly results in numerous injuries for small children. The most common injuries are a result of traveling, poisoning, drowning, falling, and cuts.

The American Red Cross has compiled a list of simple precautions to take during busy travel weekends, such as Easter weekend. American Red Cross recommends that:

1. Drivers are well rested and alert.
2. Get your vehicle ready – clean the headlights, taillights, turn signals and windows.
3. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
4. Observe speed limits, follow the rules of the road, use caution in work zones.
5. Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
6. Pay attention – avoid distractions such as cell phones.
7. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches or in bad weather. Don’t overdrive your headlights.
8. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
9. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.
10. If you are taking your pet with you, there are special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Moreover, parents must keep an eye on small children opening candy or small toys in order to prevent choking. Most toys will have an age range listed on the packaging. Follow those guidelines when giving toys to small children. If you have any doubt about the toys safety then it is best to refrain from gifting the item out to children.

Most would assume that toys and candy are the primary causes for poisoning during Easter.  However, eggs are actually a leading cause for poisoning over the holiday. Eggs are a potentially hazardous food and are capable of supporting the rapid growth of disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella. Before boiling eggs for Easter decorating or painting, they must be kept refrigerated. Raw eggs can never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. In the event a raw egg has been left at room temperature for more than two hours, do not eat or cook these eggs. Hard-boiled decorated Easter eggs that are left in room temperature as decoration for many hours or days should be discarded and not eaten, especially in homes with small children and animals that are not aware of the danger attached to raw or rotten eggs.

When you boil your eggs, make sure the water is hot (185-190 degrees F). Cool your eggs in cold water or just in the air. Cleanliness of hands, utensils and work surfaces is essential in preventing spread of bacteria. Always wash your hands when handling your eggs, especially between cooking, cooling, and dyeing. Wash hands again, along with all utensils, equipment and counter tops that have been in contact with any raw food before preparing other foods. Most importantly, have a Happy Easter!