Courtesy Eloy Vega,

Laredo, TX:  The Easter Season is upon us and the Laredo Fire Department would like to offer some suggestions that will help you stay safe this Easter Weekend:

 v     Be sure that Easter toys and Dolls (such as bunnies, chicks, etc.) are free of choking hazards. Pieces that can be removed from a doll or toy pose a potential choking danger to small children.

v     In order to prevent choking do not give small candies or chocolates to children less than 5 years of age.

Egg Safety

v     Never leave raw eggs in any form at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

v     Do not eat or cook with cracked eggs or eggs that have been un-refrigerated for more than two hours.

v     Hard-boiled Easter (decorated) eggs left in room temperature for many hours or days as a decoration or table piece should be discarded and not eaten.

 Outdoor cooking safety

v     Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 ft away from your house or any other building.

v     Never leave a grill unattended.

v     Be cautious of overhead obstructions, including tree branches, while grilling.

v     Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a fire, both can explode.

v     Never attempt to restart the flame by adding additional

lighter fluid to an already lit grill.

v     Be sure to place your grill on a flat, level surface so it will not tip over.

General water safety tips

v     Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around water is to learn how to swim. Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.

v     Read and obey all rules and posted signs.

v     Children or inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) when around the water.

v     Watch out for the dangerous “too’s”- too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

v     Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming activities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).

v     Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance and coordination, affects your swimming skills and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.

*Source = usfa.gov

 The Fire Department would like wish everyone a safe and happy Easter. As an added precaution, the Fire Department will assign additional resources this weekend to remain vigilant and to ensure adequate response in the event of an emergency.