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Tips help keep Easter safe, joyful

In an effort to keep the holiday as safe as possible, Julie M. Mahfouz, manager, marketing and public relations representative with Acadian Ambulance Service, has offered the following.
—Eggs: Decorating eggs can be hazardous and quickly spoil if not refrigerated before and after they are decorated. Hard-boiled eggs left out for several hours as part of a hunt or centerpiece should not be eaten.
—Cleanliness: Wash hands before and after working with raw eggs, as well as any utensils or dishes used. Do not use eggs that have been cracked or broken.
—Candy: To prevent choking and exposure to choking hazards, children 5 and under should not be given small candy. Be sure to give out age-appropriate candy and be observant of little ones at all times.
—Toys: Toys with small pieces are also choking hazards, so be vigilant of any toys handed out to young children.
—Sunscreen: If going outside for long periods for an Easter egg hunt or other outdoor activities, remember to apply sunscreen. Broad spectrum protection with at least a 15 SPF should be used. Use a higher SPF if you burn easily.
—Nut allergies: Remember that some kids have nut allergies that are very serious. Check with parents before offering any candies that might have nuts.
—Boundaries: When preparing for an outdoor Easter egg hunt, set up a boundary so kids are not wandering off or into places that aren’t safe or supervised.
—Indoor safety: For indoor Easter egg hunts, do not hide eggs near electrical outlets, hard to reach places, near glass or other breakables or dangerous spots. Count how many eggs are hidden to ensure all are retrieved or use plastic eggs.
—Supervision: Designate certain rooms of the house for indoor Easter egg hunts so children aren’t running around the house unsupervised.
—Crawfish boils: Make sure gear is up to code. Have a fire extinguisher handy and in good working order. Be sure the cooking location is in an open area — never under a carport. Only adults should do the cooking. Never leave cooking area unattended. No small animals or children should be nearby. Wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves. The boiling water and steam can cause serious burns.
—And last, but not least, don’t forget the Cajun tradition of paqueing eggs. Here’s a little trivia: Sunday is Easter, known as Pâques in Cajun French. There’s a unique tradition of “egg knocking” in and around Cajun country. On Easter Sunday, people gather with three carefully chosen, hard boiled chicken eggs. Participants meet in egg battle. One holds their eggs, small ends up. Their opponent takes an egg, small end down, and knocks it against the other egg — Paque. The egg that cracks is the loser.

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