Poison & Prevention Information By Season : Winter

Poison Prevention Tips

  • Be prepared.
    • Put the poison control number (1-800-222-1222, U.S. only) in, on or near your phone.
    • Save  as a browser favorite (webPOISONCONTROL.org).
  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
    • Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm in every sleeping area of your home.
    • Keep appliances, furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves in good repair.
    • Use generators safely.
    • Never operate a generator in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space such as a basement, garage, carport, barn or enclosed porch.
    • Place generators away from doors and windows. Direct the exhaust away from the house so that carbon monoxide won’t enter the house.
    • Do not use charcoal or gas grills, stoves, gas ovens, camp stoves or hibachis to heat your home (or your tent or camper).
    • Recognize the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Often many people and even pets get sick at about the same time. If symptoms develop, leave the area and get medical attention right away.
  • Store medicines and products in their original containers.
  • Antifreeze (for cars) tastes sweet, but even a little can cause kidney damage or death. Keep it away from children and pets.
  • Feverish? Use a digital thermometer. Glass mercury thermometers may break in a child’s mouth. Spilled mercury requires special cleanup to avoid contaminating your home.  

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