Be Aware of Hidden Summer Dangers Before Celebrating This Weekend

As we approach the first holiday weekend of summer, the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School anticipates an increase in calls related to seasonal hazards. Beyond sunburns and heat-related illnesses, everyday items at home or on vacation can quickly become dangerous. Here are some tips to prevent accidental exposures and emergency room visits.

“Many summer hazards hide in plain sight, sadly leading to an increased number of potentially dangerous exposures,” says Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “With more people likely to purchase alcoholic beverages in the summer, we’re concerned about the increased risk of children accidentally drinking alcohol. Children are extremely sensitive to the poisonous effects of alcohol, and can suffer life-threatening symptoms.”

Non-alcoholic beverage companies like SUNNYD, Mountain Dew, Arizona, Simply, and Dunkin also market “hard” or “spiked” seltzer and drink products to adult consumers. The labels do indicate the alcohol content, though some consumers may still be unaware. Always read labels carefully to distinguish between alcoholic and non-alcoholic products from the same brand.

If you’re away from home for the holiday weekend, pay attention to your new surroundings. Mistakes and accidents often happen when there are changes in daily routines or distractions.

Safety Tips:

Adult Recreational Products

• Lock up products like liquid nicotine/vapes and marijuana edibles to prevent children and pets from accidental ingestion, which can cause serious injury.

Food Poisoning

• Wash hands before and after handling raw food.
• Refrigerate meats, fish, poultry, and mayonnaise-based salads within two hours (one hour if 90 degrees or warmer).
• Be cautious with food from festivals or food trucks; avoid eating if food is left out too long.

Grills

• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by not using grills indoors or in enclosed areas — garages, basements, sheds, RVs/ campers, and boat cabins.
• Lock up charcoal and lighter fluids to prevent accidental ingestion by children and pets.

Backyard

• Avoid picking or eating wild plants and mushrooms; they can cause serious illness or death.
• Be aware of poison ivy, oak, and sumac; their oils cause itchy rashes and should not be burned.
• Store torch and lamp fluids safely, as they resemble apple juice containers and can be dangerous if swallowed.

Other Dangers

• Avoid mixing alcohol with medication; dangerous interactions can occur.
• Pick up used fireworks immediately; they can cause injury if ingested by children or pets.
• Keep alcoholic drinks separate from non-alcoholic ones to prevent confusion whether on shelves or in coolers.

If you think someone came in contact with something dangerous, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center immediately for medical treatment advice. Anyone can call for help – children, teens, and adults. Poison control centers are a medical resource for both the public and healthcare professionals.

Get help 24/7 — Call 1-800-222-1222 or Chat Here. If someone is not breathing, hard to wake up, or having a seizure, call 9-1-1.