It’s that time of year again! The decorations are going up, online stores are being swamped with orders, homes are being readied for visitors, and everybody is looking forward to their share of sparkle and excitement. Friends and family are first in everyone’s mind. But, what about me? Being a big green dude with a scowling face is not all it’s cracked up to be. I am forgotten until it’s too late. I spend holidays stuck in the office with the staff taking calls.
YES! There IS someone available 24/7 to help you when your family ate turkey cooked with the giblet bag still inside, or to reassure you when you find your toddler eating the package of silica gel that fell out of your new briefcase. My friends and I work every day, even holidays, to keep you safe.
But we can’t do it alone, we need your help. Extra safeguards and supervision need to be taken when life is a bit more chaotic. You gotta invite me over to help celebrate! Unfortunately, I am only one lonely mascot and I can’t be in every home at once, so I suggest you use my helper elves- Mr. Yuk stickers.
Households across Washington State use stickers of me to reminded people to use and store dangerous items safely. My sticker also has the phone number: 1-800-222-1222. Remember that thing about working 24/7? Well, ya’ gotta have the number to make it work. By the way, did you know services are available for people with hearing problems and for non-English speakers?
Since I’d prefer to be called before a disaster, here are a few things you can do to avoid having to apologize to your guests or take care of sick family members. Follow these simple tips:
Two Hour Rule- If your food has been out at room temperature for more than two hours, toss it.
Small Amounts- Put food out in small amounts and refill as needed.
On Ice- Keep dips, sauces, and other refrigerated-type appetizers on ice.
Fire it Up- Keep hot foods hot with chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays.
Lonely Leftovers- Store leftovers separately and freeze if not eaten within 3-4 days.
Bottoms Up- Children often drink from unattended and unfinished glasses of alcohol; empty all glasses and bottles and keep alcohol out of reach of minors.
Animal House- Holiday foods and candy can make pets very sick. Don’t offer your pet a treat that can ruin their holiday, and yours. People eat people food, pets eat pet food.
Part of the need your help thing? Run a “poison safety check” and look for:
Purses / suitcases- Visitors may bring their medications (or their beverage of choice) over to your place. Over 50% of calls to the Poison Center involve medications; NEVER leave medicines on a nightstand – be sure to store them, and purses, out of reach of inquisitive children. Provide your guests with a safe place to keep these items. Even a big green dude knows this!
Santa stockings and Gifts- These can contain things like perfume/cologne, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine,
potpourri, or lamp oil- all of which could harm curious children or pets.
Party leftovers (I can’t say this enough, so I’m gonna repeat it for those with hard heads)- Clean-up immediately following all holiday parties so left-over food, alcohol, and other potentially harmful items are out of reach of young children; small children often drink partially filled glasses, regardless of the contents, when they are thirsty. Empty ashtrays often and clean them when the party is over. It just takes a few cigarette butts to send a child to the hospital.
Now, about Carbon Monoxide. Everybody loves a little atmosphere, and we all like to stay warm. But, if the power goes out, remember never burn charcoal inside your homes, even in a fireplace. Do not use an unvented gas or kerosene heater and never use gasoline powered equipment, like generators, indoors. Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea and vomiting, weakness, fatigue, and confusion and can mimic the flu. If several people in the household become ill at the same time, it may not be “just the flu” or a case of “food poisoning”.
Bet you didn’t know:
Christmas Tree Ornaments- These are not poison hazards, but a young child could choke on small parts.
Tinsel, Icicles, Glitter & Garlands- These items are made of plastic, aluminum or tin. They are not a problem if swallowed, but can be a problem in the ears, up the nose, etc.
Poinsettias- These pretty holiday plants have a bad rep, they are not really poisonous, but the sap may irritate the mouth or skin of some people.
Holiday Berries & Mistletoe Berries- If eaten in excess, these both may cause a stomach ache—but that’s about all.
Evergreen Trees- The needles are nontoxic, but their sharpness may cause discomfort. However, beware of homemade Christmas tree preservatives since they, if consumed, may be toxic. Artificial Snow- Repeatedly inhaling the aerosol could cause breathing problems, but the snow is not toxic.
Candles- Wax candles are nontoxic—and not very tasty!
Angel Hair- This may irritate the eyes, skin, or mouth but it is made of spun glass and is not toxic.
If you ever have a question about what you are putting in your home, you know who to call and when to call- 1-800-222-1222, 24/7.
Also, be sure to take the number with you when you go over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house. Visiting can result in an increased risk of children being poisoned. 1-800-222-1222 will connect you to the Poison Center covering your calling area– in or outside Washington State. So, if your littlest angel just sipped at a reed diffuser, or Grandma accidentally took her medicine twice, or your reindeer was caught lapping up the eggnog, call me and the staff at the Washington Poison Center. You will be automatically connected to specially trained poison experts who are sharing their holiday with you to keep you safe.
