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Easter weekend is often a time of joy, family gatherings, and well-deserved rest. For most South Africans, it means road trips, backyard braais, and indulgent Easter egg hunts. But amid all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the potential risks that can turn a peaceful weekend into a chaotic one. Whether staying at home or heading out of town, prioritising safety can ensure your Easter weekend is memorable for the right reasons. Read on and learn more about ensuring that you, your family, and your community stay safe this Easter.

Road Safety Comes First

Easter is one of the busiest times of year on South African roads. With families travelling across provinces and cities to visit loved ones or enjoy a holiday break, traffic volumes surge, and so does the risk of accidents. If you’re hitting the road, the first rule is simple: you shouldn’t rush.

Plan your route ahead of time and check traffic updates or roadwork reports to avoid unnecessary delays or detours. More importantly, do not drive tired or under the influence. Fatigue significantly slows down your reaction time, and alcohol impairs your judgment, even if you don’t have too many drinks. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, always wear your seatbelt, and obey the speed limits. It might be tempting to push through and get there faster, but arriving safely is more important than arriving early.

Practice Braai Safety

Lighting a fire and gathering around a braai during long weekends is almost a tradition. But with open flames, hot coals, and children running around, a relaxed afternoon can quickly become dangerous if these basic braai safety precautions aren’t followed:

• Always braai in a safe, open area far from dry grass, low-hanging trees, or flammable materials.
• Never leave the fire unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Children should be kept at a safe distance, and pets should be monitored closely.
• When it’s time to cook, use fireproof gloves or long-handled tools to protect yourself from burns.
• When you’re done, extinguish the fire completely before leaving it. That last step is often forgotten, and it can lead to devastating consequences.

If You’re Drinking, Be Smart About It

Easter celebrations often include a few drinks with friends and family. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine or a beer, it’s important to know your limits and understand the risks. Alcohol impairs your coordination and decision-making, and when mixed with driving, swimming, or supervising children, the results can be tragic.

If you plan to have a few drinks, arrange transport ahead of time, whether it’s a designated driver or public transport or booking a ride-hailing service. Never leave your drink unattended in public settings, and avoid binge drinking, which is not only dangerous but also increases your chances of accidents, falls, and conflict. Moderation is key to keeping the good times going without putting yourself or others in harm’s way.

Make Easter Egg Hunts Safe for Everyone

One of the highlights of Easter for children is the traditional egg hunt. But while they’re chasing down chocolate in the garden, it’s up to you to ensure their safety. Set clear boundaries for where the hunt is allowed. This should be ideally within a fenced or enclosed space where kids can’t wander off into roads or unsafe areas.

If your Easter event includes other children, especially in public spaces, watch for allergic reactions to treats. Most Easter treats contain nuts, dairy, or other allergens that could pose a risk. If you’re attending a community event, consider giving your child an ID tag with your contact details in case they get lost in the crowd. A little preparation can go a long way in preventing panic or injury.

Make Hygiene and Food Safety a Priority

Easter often revolves around shared meals and outdoor picnics, which makes food hygiene a non-negotiable part of the weekend. The last thing you want is food poisoning ruining your plans. Wash your hands frequently, especially before meals, when touching shared items, and spending time outdoors. If you’re preparing food for a group, ensure that all meats are cooked thoroughly and that cold foods stay refrigerated or in a cooler box with ice.

Leftovers should not be left out in the sun for extended periods. When in doubt, throw it out. It’s better to lose a dish than to spend the night in casualty. Additionally, consider packing a first aid kit, especially if you’ll be outdoors. Minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites are common, and being prepared can help you treat them quickly and avoid infection.

Be Aware of Fire Hazards

If your Easter traditions include candles or decorative lights, be cautious about where and how you use them. Candlelight services, for example, can be meaningful and beautiful but pose a fire risk if not handled carefully. These are some fire hazard safety tips to consider:

• Keep candles away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, paper decorations, or plastic tablecloths.
• Unplug any decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving the house.
• If you’re using extension cords or outdoor power sources, ensure they’re rated for safety and not overloaded.

Prepare for Emergencies

Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time to happen, which is why being prepared is essential during public holidays when access to services may be limited. Save emergency contact numbers to your phone and make sure you know where the nearest hospital or clinic is located, particularly if you’re away from home.

Easter is a time of connection, reflection, and celebration. But too often, it becomes a weekend marked by road fatalities, preventable injuries, and accidents. Consider downloading the FREE-to-use iER App, which connects you with help 24/7 at the tap of a button. This can give you peace of mind by offering rapid support during medical, security, or roadside emergencies.