Celebrate Summer Safely

As the school year ends, it’s time for summer fun and enjoying the outdoors. However, it is important to remember that summer poisoning hazards can threaten your family’s health, especially children. The Florida/USVI Poison Information Center–Jacksonville urges you to remain aware of the hazards that occur most often during the summer.

Insect Repellent

• Be sure to read the label on every insect repellent and follow directions carefully. Be aware that most contain DEET, and repeatedly applying a product with DEET can increase the risk of harmful effects.
• When using repellent on a child, adults should place a little on their own hands first and then rub it on the child. Avoid the eyes and mouth. Never spray on children’s hands as they tend to rub their eyes and/or place their fingers in their mouths.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.

Charcoal Lighter Fluid

• Keep products in their original containers and prevent access to them by children.
• When accidentally swallowed, the chemical can cause difficulty breathing and lung damage.
• If ingested, do not induce vomiting, as this can make it worse.

Traveling/Camping

• Store medications, personal products, insect repellent or sunscreen in locked suitcases away from children.
• Avoid bringing along "a few pills" in unmarked containers, as these may not be child-resistant and they are unlabeled as to content or quantity.
• For visitors who are not used to the activity of children, remind them to properly store all personal products, especially prescription items, out of the reach and sight of children.
• When camping, be careful of underbrush that could contain poison ivy or stinging/biting animals. Remember the rule, "Leaves of three, let it be." If someone touches poison ivy, immediately rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes.

Food Poisoning

• Always wash hands, cutting boards, utensils and dishes with hot, soapy water after handling raw meat, poultry or seafood.
• Store, cook and re-heat food at the proper temperatures. Do not let food sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• The following foods, among others, can quickly spoil and become unsafe: party platters, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, eggs, mayonnaise and cooked vegetables.
• Signs of food poisoning include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting.

If you suspect a poisoning has occurred or have questions concerning poisonings, immediately call the Poison Center Help Line toll-free, 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222 and a health care professional will assist you. Don’t waste time searching the Internet; call the Poison Center for the right answer the first time.