SEASONAL HAZARDS
TIPS FOR A SAFE FALL AND WINTER
WISHING YOU A
SAFE FALL AND
WINTER
FROM STAFF AT THE
ALABAMA POISON
CENTER
Fall and Winter are times when we focus on staying warm and
keeping ourselves and loved ones well. In the process we need to
take extra precautions on preventing accidental poisonings.
Many calls to Poison Centers during this time of year are about
accidentally ingesting too much cold medicine or antifreeze and
carbon monoxide inhalation.
Be Safe!
Follow the tips below.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Include:
CALL THE POISON CENTER AT 1-800-222-1222
if you think that someone has been exposed to Carbon Monoxide.
If the person is unconscious, call 911.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Can be Fatal.
Carbon Monoxide is the byproduct
of burning fuel. It is found in smoke
from burning wood and debris and
in exhaust fumes from cars.
ALWAYS make sure the
fireplace flue is open
and functioning properly
before starting a fire.
NEVER try to warm your
car up in an enclosed
space like the garage.
Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and
check them each month to make sure they are working properly.
Change batteries if needed.
Lamp Oil comes in a variety of scents and
decorative containers. If the oil is ingested it
can trickle down the throat and take a wrong
turn into lung tissue causing coughing,
wheezing and aspiration pneumonitis.
Antifreeze keeps the radiator fluid in your car from freezing in
cold weather and from boiling over in hot weather. Antifreeze
has a sweet smell and taste. Because of this, children and
pets are often attracted to antifreeze and even to small areas
where this has dripped from the radiator. Only a very small
amount can cause death.
Cough and Cold Medicines come in all sizes, shapes and strengths.
Correct dosage of these medicines is very important and is based on
age and weight.
ALWAYS read directions on the label for appropriate amounts to take
and use correct measuring devices.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
CALL THE POISON CENTER AT 1-800-222-1222
If someone is having these symptoms, call the Poison Center right away
at 1-800-222-1222.
Do not induce vomiting as vomiting can often increase the risk of aspiration.
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
•
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Coma
•
If the person is unconscious, call 911.
Used Antifreeze is considered a hazardous waste and should not be discarded in the
garbage, storm drains or sewer systems, as it can seep into the soil and contaminate
ground water or lakes and streams. Antifreeze can be recycled and should be
disposed of according to local regulations.
If someone has ingested even small amounts of Antifreeze, call the Poison
Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Do not give children cough and cold medicine meant for adults. If children do
get into cough and cold medicines, call the Poison Center right away. A Poison
Specialist can calculate the amount ingested according to the weight of the
person and make appropriate recommendations.
The Alabama Poison Center I 2503 Phoenix Drive I Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 I FAX 205-345-7189
