As families gather for the holidays, the Nebraska Regional Poison Center wants everyone to be extra careful.
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for the center and spokesperson Joan McVoy says visiting relatives many times have some type of medications with them that could fall into the wrong hands. "Make sure that they're storing their medications. Up, out of reach, out of sight, so small children don't get into them, teenagers don't get into them. But that's the thing that we get most of our calls on, is gonna be medications."
McVoy says each year, 59 thousand children go to emergency rooms for poisonings and 48% of those cases involve grandparents' medications.
Another potential risk is kids getting a hold of small disc batteries found in toys, games and remotes. "Amazingly, even though we keep talking about this every year, last year over 2,000 kids swallowed disc batteries. That was a 14% increase nationally, and it was also a 14% increase here at our poison centers."
McVoy says even if you don't realize it, the batteries can pose a huge risk. "Those things can cause a burn, they can get lodged in the esophagus, they can definitely be a problem."
If you have pets McVoy says also be sure to make sure they stay safe this holiday season as well. "Things like the batteries, chocolates, raisins, grapes, some nuts are very toxic to animals. So, keep them up and out of reach."
The poison center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions. You can reach them at 1-800-222-1222.