Seasonal and Holiday Poisonings

While every season/holiday has its own unique set of poisonings, there are those poisonings that tend to be common year around. For example, gatherings usually include food and sometimes alcholic beverges. It is important to remember to keep the following out of sight and reach of children and pets; remind visitors to do the same:

• Alcoholic beverages
• All nicotine products, including e-cigarette liquids and parts
• Medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Purses, diaper bags, and luggage 

Leftover food should be refrigerated within two hours to avoid food poisoning. Please see more tips below.

Springtime Tips

It is time for spring cleaning! Remember to never leave a child alone while using a cleaning product. Also, follow directions carefully and never mix chemicals or cleaners together. Keep all cleaners and chemicals:

• Out of sight and reach of children and pets
• In their original containers with lids and labels intact

Summertime Tips

It is time for some fun in the sun!

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run a generator or use charcoal grills in a tent or a recreational vehicle, even if the doors and windows are open; install carbon monoxide detectors in recreational vehicles and change the batteries twice a year
• Keep all of the following out of sight and reach of children and pets:  gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluids and swim pool and hot tub chemicals
• Keep all products in their original containers with lids and labels intact
• Follow directions carefully 
• Use fireworks carefully, follow directions and supervise young children closely
• The liquid in glow sticks causes an intense burning and a stinging sensation when swallowed but does not actually burn bodily tissues. The liquid is also irritating to the mouth, eyes, and nose, but these symptoms typically go away within a short period of time. Rinse the affected area(s) with lukewarm water for 15 minutes
• Avoid bites and stings. Avoid wearing bright colors. Wear a medical bracelet if you have life-threatening allergic reactions to bites and stings
• Know which plants to avoid eating and handling

Fall Tips

It is time to get kooky and spooky!

• Remember to get your annual flu shot
• Keep all medications, vitamins, supplements, and personal care items out of sight and reach of children and pets; tell visitors to do the same
• Never take medicines with the same active ingredient, such as acetaminophen, at the same time
• Be safe on Halloween:
  • Check all candy and treats for tears in the wrappers, holes, punctures, and signs of tampering; if something looks suspicious, throw it away
  • Feed your children before going out to trick-or-treat, so they are not tempted to get into their treats before items are inspected 
  • Accompany your children when gathering treats; only accept homemade items from people you know and trust
  • Remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs; keep all candy and gum out of sight and reach of your pets
  • Use non-toxic makeup paint; if makeup paint gets in the eyes, rinse eyes for 15 minutes with lukewarm, running water
  • Avoid using colored contacts unless they are prescribed by an eye doctor. 
  • The liquid in glow sticks is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose, and mouth; it causes an intense burning sensation, although the liquid does not actually burn bodily tissues; rinse the affected area(s) with lukewarm water for 15 minutes  

Wintertime Tips

It is time to bundle up!

• Get all gas-burning appliances, stoves, fireplaces, and flues inspected by a professional
• Install carbon monoxide detectors outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home
• Keep all medications, vitamins, supplements, and personal care items out of sight and reach of children and pets; tell visitors to do the same
• Never take medicines with the same active ingredient, such as acetaminophen, at the same time
• Keep all batteries out of sight and reach of children and pets, especially button batteries
• Avoid giving vintage gifts to children as the paint may contain lead
• Never swallow the liquid in snow globes because it may contain harmful bacteria