WASHBURN COUNTY -- The Holiday Season is upon us. Unfortunately, fun with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, can also mean opportunities for accidental poisoning of people (especially children) and/or pets.
Many holiday traditions are poisonous to people and pets. The most common are holiday flowers, tinsel, batteries, alcohol, and chocolate. An accidental poisoning can also occur when a person takes medications in excess of recommended use.
Think about the last time you went to a Holiday get together. Coats are usually placed on a bed or hung up, purses are sometimes added to the heap on the bed, or are left by the sofa or a chair. What if you were to host a gathering? Do you keep your pill box or pill bottles in your purse, sitting on the counter, in the cupboard, the medicine cabinet, or on the night table? Are cleaning products secured? All of these scenarios equal unattended and could lead to an accidental poisoning.
If You Suspect Poisoning, Immediately Call the Wisconsin Poison Control Hotline @ 1-800-222-1222
What does this mean for you? Be Mindful! Be it eye drops, eye glass cleaner, cigarettes or chew, hearing aid batteries, Tylenol or nitro pills, most everyone has at least one potentially poisonous item in their purse or pocket and many more in their home.
When gathering this holiday season and all year long, remember to safe guard alcohol, tobacco products, prescription and non-prescription medications, and cleaning products.
If you are hosting a bash, do not leave the bar area unattended or abandoned drinks sitting around. Secure cabinets where cleaning products ae kept, and lock up all medications. If you are attending a gathering, leave potentially dangerous items at home, locked in your car, or on your person at all times.
To dispose of unused or expired prescription and non-prescription pills or capsules (no liquids or patches, please)empty them into a Ziploc bag and take to one of the following Medication Drop Off Sites located in Washburn County for proper disposal.
- Birchwood Village Hall: Monday –Thursday, 8am - 4pm, Fridays 8am -1pm.
- Minong Village Hall: Drop Box, available 24/7, located behind the building.
- Spooner Police Department: available 24/7
- Washburn County Sheriff’s Office: Shell Lake, Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm.
Last Update: Nov 30, 2018 8:40 am CST
