Easter is a time for family fun and outdoor activities, but it can also bring some safety hazards. Keep Easter safety at the top of your mind and ensure everyone’s wellness by utilizing these tips.
Practice Easter Safety in the Community With These Helpful Tips
Easter takes place on April 17 in 2022. With only a few weeks left to go, preparations for fun Easter activities are likely underway in many communities. And while enjoyment is definitely a top consideration, homeowners and HOAs should not forget about safety. Make this Easter the best and safest yet by following the tips below.
1. Remember Egg Safety
Eggs are a staple of the Easter holiday. While small and seemingly harmless, eggs can actually pose a threat to children. When not stored or cooked in the proper way, eggs can spread disease-causing bacteria.
Here are some Easter safety tips when it comes to handling and cooking eggs:
- Inspect eggs before purchasing them at the grocery store or supermarket. Don’t buy broken or cracked eggs.
- Instead of decorating raw eggs, decorate hard-boiled eggs. Remember to let the cooked eggs completely cool down first before allowing children to handle them.
- Use food-grade dyes to decorate eggs if you intend to eat them afterward.
- Keep eggs refrigerated at all times before using or cooking them.
- Eggs that have been left out of the refrigerator for more than two (2) hours should not be cooked or eaten.
- Refrain from cooking or eating cracked eggs.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
2. Safety Practices for Egg Hunts
Easter egg hunts are a can’t-miss activity during this time of the year. Many associations organize community-wide hunts, though some homeowners do it in their own backyard for their kids, too. No matter how large the scale of the hunt is, it is important to remember these Easter egg hunt tips:
- Don’t hide eggs near any hazardous materials such as:
- Electrical outlets
- Light sockets
Electrical wiring- Glass
- Plants with thorns
- Unidentifiable plants
- Hard-to-reach areas
- Chemicals
- Any holes in the ground
- Animals
- Divide the areas according to the children’s age differences. Bigger kids may inadvertently hurt smaller kids in the process of hunting for eggs.
- Post adults in different areas of the hunting space to supervise children.
- Advise children not to eat the eggs during the hunt, especially if the eggs have been out for a couple of hours.
- Provide children with baskets or bags that they can use to store their collected eggs.
- After the hunt, locate all the eggs that have not been found. Do NOT leave them out in the sun to rot.
- Consider using plastic eggs instead of real ones.
3. Be Mindful of Food Allergies
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies affect about 15 million people in the United States alone. While adults are more conscious of what they eat, children are not as careful of what they put in their mouths.
Keep residents, family, and friends safe by staying mindful of food allergies. It is a good idea to purchase candies and snacks that don’t contain dairy, gluten, and peanuts, which are some of the most common food allergies that exist. Kids that are allergic to eggs should also avoid decorating eggs or participating in the egg hunt unless you use plastic eggs instead.
4. Keep Choking Hazards Away
Many communities and homeowners stuff plastic eggs with candies and toys. These candies and toys are typically smaller in size so that they can fit into the plastic eggs. But, small candies and toys can also pose a risk to kids as they can be choking hazards.
To prevent any issues with health and safety, consider buying larger plastic eggs to use for the hunt. This way, you can stuff them with larger toys and candies. Adults should also keep an eye on their kids at all times. While it is important to let kids have fun and discover things on their own, don’t just let them put anything into their mouths. Simply staying alert and aware can ensure their safety.
5. Skip the Animals
A lot of people associate Easter with certain animals like bunny rabbits and baby chicks. But, just like eggs, these animals can pose a danger to your kids. Bunnies and chicks can carry and spread bacteria, causing your child to fall sick. Remember that children’s immune systems are not as fully developed as yours, so they are more vulnerable to contracting diseases than adults.
To avoid illness, make sure not to give out animals as gifts this Easter. If your community sets up a petting zoo for the occasion or if you simply go to one, tell your kids to wash their hands after touching an animal. It is a good idea to carry a hand sanitizer or an alcohol spray with you at all times in case no washing areas are nearby.
6. Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen
Easter is also a time to gather with family and friends to break bread at the same table. But, considering cooking is one of the top causes of home fires, it is equally imperative to keep the following fire Easter holiday safety tips in mind:
Don’t overcrowd the kitchen. Only essential people should be allowed inside. Children should stay out of the kitchen, too. If they must be in the kitchen, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times.- Don’t attempt to juggle too many tasks at once. This divides your attention and puts you at risk of neglecting something, such as the stove or oven.
- Always stay alert. Presence of mind is key when it comes to kitchen safety. As such, make sure you are fully awake and rested before cooking. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during the cooking process.
- Keep flammable items away from sources of fire.
- Set timers for everything.
7. Consider Other Activities
Easter egg hunts may be the norm, but they can be quite dangerous when done improperly. If you don’t want the headache that comes with planning your own hunt, consider organizing other activities instead. Popular ones include hide and seek, egg spoon race, and sack bunny hop race. You can also have fun indoors by watching movies and decorating cookies instead.
A Fun and Safe Easter for All
Easter can be an enjoyable time filled with laughter and bonding. But, amidst all of the fun, a lot of risks can manifest themselves. Easter safety is of paramount importance when celebrating the special day, and these tips should help you ensure it.
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