TIPS FOR A SAFE SPRING AND SUMMER
WISHING YOU A
SAFE SPRING AND
SUMMER
FROM STAFF AT THE
ALABAMA POISON
CENTER
SEASONAL HAZARDS
Spring is when it seems like everything outside begins to wake up
after a long, cold winter. Flowers spring up and we plant seeds for
new ones to appear.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
CALL THE POISON CENTER AT 1-800-222-1222
Spring is typically a time when we do that ‘spring cleaning’ inside
and out in preparation for the long, hot days of summer, where
days are filled with outside activities and we come in contact with
all kinds of flying and crawling insects and bugs.
ALWAYS be aware of flowers, seeds
and berries picked by your children.
Sometimes these go directly into the
mouth and some can be very toxic.
Be Informed! Know the names of
flowers and trees in your yard and
potted plants you keep in your home.
Spring and summer are times when we need to be particularly aware of
poisoning hazards that commonly occur during these times.
Look over the information below and be informed on ways to keep your
family and loved ones safe from these poisoning hazards.
ALWAYS put the gas
container away after
using. Many calls to
the Poison Center
are related to
gasoline splashed on
the skin, in eyes or
accidentally ingested.
ALWAYS stand away
from the smoke when
burning yard debris and
trash. Remember
burning releases carbon
monoxide and when
some products are
burned they release
other toxic fumes.
Visit our Plants and Mushroom pages for more information.
ALWAYS remember to wear
protective gloves when
cleaning. Some cleaning
products can be very irritating
to the skin.
NEVER grill in an
enclosed area.
Remember, burning
releases carbon
monoxide and when
used in enclosed
areas this can be
toxic.
pages for more information.
NEVER leave picnic
food out for long
periods of time.
Remember, that many
items are excellent
media for bacterial
growth and can cause
food poisoning.
ALWAYS use caution when preparing and keeping your pool for swimmers.
Pool chemicals can actually ‘take your breath away’ if inhaled and can cause
problems that need medical attention.
NEVER use insect repellents
containing DEET that is over
10% on children. DEET is
effective in keeping insects
away and children free from
bites and stings, but products
containing over 10% DEET can
be toxic to children. ALWAYS
read the label closely.
The Alabama Poison Center I 2503 Phoenix Drive I Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 I FAX 205-345-7189
