Poison Center Warns Of Holiday Hazards

A spokeswoman for the Wyoming Poison Center is warning people about some of the hazards that come with the holidays.

Joan McVoy says over half the calls the center gets every year involve children getting into medication. She says many of those calls mean a trip to the emergency room. But she say the problem could be avoided if people would just remember to keep medicines out of reach of children--and above all to NEVER leave them sitting on a nightstand.

McVoy says another common hazard is disc batteries, which can be fatal if swallowed by small children. Toys with magnets also pose a hazard, and should be kept away from small kids.

McVoy says both alcoholic drinks and and lamp oil may look good to drink to small children, but can be dangerous. They need to be kept away from kids, and not left sitting around where children can get into them after holiday parties.

McVoy says tinsel is another choking hazard for small children. And finally McVoy says chocolate, raisins and some nuts can be very dangerous to pets and should be kept away from animals.

McVoy says the poison center has nurses available 24/7, including holidays, at 1-800-222-1222 to answer questions and offer advice.