Holiday Hazards to Look Out For and Tips on How to Stay Safe, from the Texas Poison Center Network

As you prepare to celebrate the winter holidays this season, remember to keep safety in mind, especially when it comes to potential poisonings. If you follow these tips, you can help ensure you have a poison-free holiday!

Poison Proof Your Home

Secure all medicines, cleaning products, and personal care products by putting them up high, locked- up, and out of sight and out of reach. This includes items in purses, backpacks, and other regularly accessed places that kids might look through curiously.

Beware of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Remember never to use a gas stovetop, gas oven, or charcoal grill indoors for heat. Also, make sure to keep any flammables away from floor furnaces. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and change out the batteries twice a year. It could save your life!

Button Batteries

Some toys and gifts can have flat, coin-shaped batteries, usually called button batteries. These can be very dangerous if swallowed. They can cause serious internal injuries. Keep all batteries locked- up and out of sight.

Food Safety

It is always essential to take precautions to prevent food poisoning. Always wash your hands before and after handling food. Ensure all counters and cooking utensils, such as cutting boards, are kept free of germs by spraying them down with a kitchen cleaner or using soap and hot water. Lastly, make sure not to leave food sitting out too long. Make sure to put leftover food away in the refrigerator to be safely eaten later.

Traveling this Holiday

If you plan to travel this holiday season, use this guide from the CDC before you go.

Before you travel:

•            Research your destination's COVID-19 restrictions.

•            Plan to meet any testing or vaccination requirements for travel.

During travel:

•            Wear a mask and pack extras for your trip.

•            Practice safety steps like washing your hands often and choosing safer options like outdoor visits with family.

•            Isolate and follow guidance if you get COVID-19 on your trip.

Call your local poison center in Texas at 1-800-222-1222 for help with a potential poisoning or questions regarding poisons. Trained pharmacists and nurses can help 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  Never hesitate to call!