During Memorial Day weekend, the New Jersey Poison Control Center offers safety advice to avoid unintentional exposures and injuries.
The New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School anticipates a spike in calls regarding seasonal dangers as the first holiday weekend of summer draws near. In addition to the normal worries about sunburns and heat-related ailments, everyday objects at home or on vacation can turn harmful very quickly. These are some vital pointers to help avert unintentional exposures and ER trips.
According to Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center, “many summer hazards hide in plain sight, sadly leading to an increased number of potentially dangerous exposures.” We are worried about the higher chance of children inadvertently consuming alcohol during the summer months since more people are likely to buy alcoholic beverages during this time. Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol and can suffer life-threatening symptoms.”
Brands including SUNNYD, Mountain Dew, Arizona, Simply, and Dunkin are now offering “hard” or “spiked” versions of their beverages. It’s simple to ignore the fact that these items are clearly labeled as containing alcohol, especially when they are associated with well-known companies. To distinguish between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the same brand, always carefully read the labels.
During the long weekend when you’re away from home, it’s important to exercise caution in unfamiliar situations. Distractions and disruptions to normal routines are common causes of accidents.
Some Safety Advice
Adult Recreational Products:
Store goods like edible marijuana and liquid nicotine/vapes in a lockable container to avoid children and pets accidentally consuming them, which can be extremely harmful.
Food Safety:
Before and after handling raw food, wash your hands well.
– Store in the refrigerator any meats, fish, poultry, and salads made with mayonnaise within two hours (or one hour if it’s 90 degrees or above).
– Be cautious with food from festivals or food trucks; avoid eating it if it has been left out for too long.
Grilling Safety:
Never use a grill indoors or in enclosed areas such as garages, basements, sheds, RVs/campers, or boat cabins to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
– Close off charcoal and lighter fluids to avoid unintentional consumption by kids or animals.
Backyard Safety
– Because natural plants and mushrooms can be highly hazardous, avoid picking or eating them.
– Take caution while handling oils from poison ivy, oak, and sumac; burning them can result in serious rashes.
– Torch and lamp fluids should be stored carefully since they might resemble apple juice and present a serious choking hazard.
General Precautions:
Steer clear of combining alcohol and medication as this may lead to harmful reactions.
– Pick up old fireworks right away because they might hurt kids or animals if they consume them.
– Whether on shelves or in refrigerators, keep alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages apart to prevent confusion.
For immediate medical guidance, get in touch with the New Jersey Poison Control Center if you believe someone has come into contact with a dangerous material. They are ready to help kids, teenagers, and adults alike. For the general public as well as medical professionals, poison control centers are an invaluable resource.
Call 1-800-222-1222 or use the chat service for assistance around-the-clock. Dial 9-1-1 right away if someone is having a seizure, is having trouble breathing, or is not breathing.
Please be safe out there!
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