During Memorial Day weekend, the New Jersey Poison Control Center offers safety advice to avoid unintentional exposures and injuries.
NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School expects a rise in calls about seasonal hazards as the first holiday weekend of summer approaches. Beyond the usual concerns about sunburns and heat-related illnesses, everyday items found at home or on vacation can quickly become dangerous. Here are essential tips to help prevent accidental exposures and trips to the emergency room.
“Many summer dangers hide right out in the open, which unfortunately leads to more potentially harmful exposures,” said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center. “We’re especially concerned about the increased risk of young children accidentally consuming alcohol during the summer months, when more people are likely to buy alcoholic drinks. Children are particularly vulnerable to alcohol’s toxic effects and can experience life-threatening symptoms.”
Brands such as SUNNYD, Mountain Dew, Arizona, Simply, and Dunkin now offer “hard” or “spiked” versions of their beverages. It’s easy to overlook that these products clearly contain alcohol, especially when they’re associated with familiar brand names. Always read labels carefully to tell the difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the same brand.
When you’re away from home over the long weekend, it’s important to be cautious in unfamiliar surroundings. Distractions and changes to normal routines are common triggers for accidents.
Safety Tips by Category
Adult Recreational Products:
Store items like edible marijuana and liquid nicotine vapes in a lockable container to prevent children and pets from accidentally consuming them, which can be extremely dangerous.
Food Safety:
– Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw food.
– Refrigerate meats, fish, poultry, and mayonnaise-based salads within two hours (or one hour if the temperature is 90°F or above).
– Use caution with food from festivals or food trucks; avoid eating anything that has sat out too long.
Grilling Safety:
– Never use a grill indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages, basements, sheds, RVs, campers, or boat cabins to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
– Store charcoal and lighter fluid securely to avoid accidental ingestion by children or animals.
Backyard Safety:
– Avoid picking or eating wild plants and mushrooms, as they can be highly toxic.
– Use caution around poison ivy, oak, and sumac oils; burning these plants can cause severe rashes.
– Store torch and lamp fluids carefully, as they can resemble apple juice and pose a serious choking hazard.
General Precautions:
– Avoid mixing alcohol and medication, which can lead to dangerous reactions.
– Clean up used fireworks immediately, as leftover pieces can injure children or animals if swallowed.
– Keep alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages separate—whether on shelves or in refrigerators—to prevent confusion.
For immediate medical guidance, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center if you suspect someone has been exposed to a hazardous substance. They are ready to assist children, teens, and adults alike. Poison control centers are a valuable resource for both the general public and healthcare professionals.
Call 1-800-222-1222 or use the online chat service for 24/7 assistance. Dial 9-1-1 immediately if someone is having a seizure, trouble breathing, or has stopped breathing.
Please stay safe out there!
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