Beware of Dangers Lurking in Your Easter Baskets

For many of us the beginning of spring brings Easter celebrations and Easter baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, hardboiled eggs, marshmallow chicks and colorful jellybeans. In fact, according to the National Confectioners Association Halloween is the only other holiday that tops Easter for sales of candy and sweets in the U.S.

Easter basket goodies are tempting, but they might not all be safe. Some candies like jelly beans, marshmallows and small wrapped candies can be a choking hazard for young children under the age of three. Also, if your child has allergies to peanuts make sure that you read all candy wrappers. Many chocolate products have trace amounts of peanuts in them.

Don’t forget your furry friends this time of year. Chocolate can be extremely harmful to dogs and cats. Chocolate can cause coma and death when eaten in large quantities by pets and it can cause gastrointestinal problems when eaten in smaller amounts. Semi-sweet and bakers chocolate are the most dangerous and are very toxic to animals.

Easter celebrations can be particularly dangerous for pets because candy is often left in the open where pets can easily eat it. Keep all chocolate out of reach of pets and make sure that children also do not leave chocolate candies out in the open. Supervise children while they are eating chocolate treats, so that they do not drop them or become easy targets for dogs and cats with a sweet tooth.

Some more Easter facts from the National Confectioners Association Web site include the following:

• 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made for Easter each year.

• 16 billion jelly beans are made for Easter.

• 76 percent of people eat the ears on chocolate bunnies first.

• Red jelly beans are kids' favorite.

Another good way to keep your family safe and secure is to install a home security system. It can protect both your family and your home.
 

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