Regardless of how many precations are taken, accidents happen to the most careful and vigilant families managing food allergies. The following are some "do's and don'ts" on how to prepare yourself in case of an food allergic: DO’s Learn the symptoms of anaphylaxis and educate family, friends and caregivers on how to recognize if an anaphylaxis reaction is occurring. Consult your doctor about the epinephrine. Epinephrine, not antihistamine, is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. If you have been prescribed this medication, be sure to understand when to use it. Learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector. Practice with an auto-injector trainer so that you will learn how to quickly administer medication without losing precious time to read the instructions. Take expired epinephrine auto-injectors and practice by injecting it into an orange or grapefruit. Carry the epinephrine auto-injector ON you at ALL times. Call 911 as soon as the epinephrine injection has been administered. Tell the ambulance dispatch that an allergic reaction is occurring, and that more epinephrine may be needed. Contact your doctor after a reaction is treated. Review how the mistake happened, and work out a plan to avoid repeating the mistake in the future. DONT’s Don’t try to “tough out” a reaction; treat symptoms quickly. Never drive yourself and/or your child to the emergency room during an allergic reaction; call 911 instead. Even after administering the epinephrine, don't assume the reaction is over as soon as symptoms begin to resolve. A second reaction, also known as a biphasic reaction, could occur up to 4 hours after the initial symptoms go away. After promptly seeking medical attention promptly and plan for an observation period of about 4 hours to make sure that the reaction has been resolved. Don’t be left without your medication. If you have used your epinephrine auto-injector to treat a reaction, refill it quickly and always ensure that you are carrying an epinephrine that is not expired. Put in your calendar when the epinephrines on your posesion expire.  Make sure the epinephrine supply is up-to-date. If you or someone you love has severe anaphylactic food allergies, please carry life saving Epinephrine auto injectors ON you at ALL times. For information about carriers, cases, and holders visit www.omaxcare.com.