Winter Poison Hazards 

Winter includes preparation for holiday celebrations, holiday travel and welcoming guests into our homes. Cold and flu season continues. Snow and cold weather requires heating our homes and using toxic antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and ice melt.  Poisonings occur with changes in normal routine.   

Always:

• Keep household cleaners, antifreeze and windshield washer fluids in original containers.
• Return cleaners and chemicals to storage area that is out of sight and reach from kids.
• Check for right medicine, right person, right amount and right time of dose.
• Return medicine to safe storage (child-resistant caps are not child-proof).
• Check surroundings for poison hazards when visiting family and friends with kids.
• Provide guests safe storage away from kids for medicine and personal care items.
• Empty unfinished alcoholic drinks and ashtrays after guests leave.
• Store party food leftovers at proper temperatures or discard.

Know that:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a leading cause of death and illness.
• CO is odorless and colorless and can only be detected by a CO detector.
• You can minimize CO poisoning by installing CO detectors and properly maintaining all fuel burning appliances in your home.
• You can prevent poison injuries with proper storage, supervision and awareness.
• You can call 1-800-222-1222 anytime and speak to the poison experts at Rocky Mountain Poison Center for Poison Help or answers.
• You can reach a poison center from anywhere in the U.S. by calling 1-800-222-1222.
• Your call is always free and confidential.
• You can learn more about the above poisons; go to Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center. Click on Poison Prevention Tips to download information. Share with family, friends and community.
• You can get guides, magnets or stickers; call 1-800-222-1222 and choose option 4.