Are You Being ‘Eggs-tra’ Careful This Easter ?

Easter is just a few weeks away, and this weekend marks a number of opportunities for local youngsters to participate in Easter egg hunting.

Easter egg hunting is—and will probably always be—one of those treasured springtime activities for so many families. Who doesn’t love seeing the excitement on young hunters’ faces when they spy those colorfully decorated eggs carefully hidden in peculiar spots? 

But as with most things, having fun should be accompanied by varying degrees of caution. It never hurts to mix plain old common sense with some critical reminders.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind during this prized egg-hunting season: published by the USDA and on child safety website (http://www.MrNoNo.com)

• When hiding eggs inside, do not hide them near an electrical outlet or plugs.

• Do not hide eggs in, on, under or around glass.  Keep eggs at or below eye level of younger children. Keep count and track of the eggs you hid.

• When hiding eggs outside, do not hide eggs in preexisting holes in the ground or trees. do not hide eggs in any foliage that has thorns, look potential dangerous or poisonous. Do not hide eggs in any animal’s home, food bowl or play area.

• Do not put eggs where pesticides or poisons have been dispersed.

• If you plan to eat Easter eggs you decorate be sure to use only food grade dye. Some people make two sets of eggs-one for decorating and then hiding, another for eating. Others use plastic eggs for hiding.

• For an Easter egg hunt, avoid cracking the egg shells. If the shells crack then bacteria could contaminate the egg inside. Hide eggs in places that are protected from dirt, pets and other bacteria sources. Keep hard-cooked eggs chilled in the refrigerator until just before the hunt.

Happy hunting!