Blog

10 Important Safety Reminders for Celebrating the Holidays from FAACT

December 5, 2017  |  Allergies, Allergy-awareness, Anaphylaxis, Anaphylaxis-action-plan, Blog, Christmas, Dining-out, Education, Epinephrine, Food, Food-allergy, Food-allergy-blog, Giving, Hanukkah, Holiday, Holiday-tips, Holidays, Know-the-faacts, Medic-alert, Medications, Recipes, Safety-tips, Support, Tips, Traditions, Traveling, Vacation
10 Important Safety Reminders for Celebrating the Holidays from FAACT

by Stacey Stratton, FAACT's Publications Manager

The holidays are approaching, and can bring your family party invites and travel plans. Here are some food allergy safety reminders to help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

  1. Remind your child that ALL items must be checked before eating, and they can NEVER assume an item is safe. Make sure they know who will read the labels for them or will verify the ingredients are safe.

  2. Read EVERY label, EVERY time. Just because it was safe before, doesn’t guarantee it will always be safe…ingredients and manufacturing CAN and DO change! If you ever have a question about the safety of a product, be sure to contact the company directly.

  3. If you’re hosting a party, ask guests to avoid bringing any items containing the allergen you or your child are allergic to. Remind friends and family about your and/or your child’s food allergy and ask them to not to give your child any treats or presents containing the allergen.

  4. If you’re attending dinner or a party at a friend/relative’s house, bring a safe dish that you and/or your child loves. Also, bring extra safe snacks so you’ll have snacking options if you stay a little longer than anticipated.

  5. Remember to pack all medication, the allergy and anaphylaxis emergency action plan, and lots of safe snacks when traveling. Always have them where they can easily be accessed.

  6. For longer road trips, plan places you can stop that will provide safe options (restaurants, grocery stores, etc.). Sites like AllergyEats.com might be helpful in finding allergy-friendly places.

  7. Before any classroom parties, remind teachers and parents about your child’s food allergy and the safety precautions that need to be taken. Share any ideas you have for safe food and activities they can do at the party.

  8. Review how to use the epinephrine auto-injector and your child’s allergy and anaphylaxis emergency action plan, so you’ll quickly know what to do in an emergency.

  9. Review FAACT’s Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis poster with your child. Make sure your child knows what to do if they’re experiencing a reaction.

  10. Visit FAACT and download resources to help educate yourself and those who help care for your child. FAACT has many, FREE food allergy posters that are easy to print and share!

FAACT wishes you and your loved ones a safe, allergen-free, and blessed holiday season!

About the Author
Stacey Stratton is FAACT’s Publications Manager and founder of the Allergy Free Zone. Stacey is committed to educating and advocating for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis.