

3400 Bee Ridge Road Suite 120
Sarasota, Florida 34239

Phone # 941-924-9900
Fax # 941-924-9919
Home Safety
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More than 90% of poison exposures happen in the home. Knowing how to protect your children from poison-related accidents is imperative and can save their lives
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Step 2: Practice Safe Storage Habits
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The following items should be stored up, away, and out of sight of children, and in their original containers.
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Keep these substances in cabinets secured with child-resistant locks. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a 100-percent child-proof lock or container.
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These items are:
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All medicines and pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements
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Tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially liquid nicotine
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Alcohol
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Laundry and cleaning supplies
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Pesticides and insect repellents
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Button batteries, such as those found in musical greeting cards, key fobs, etc.
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Any type of oil or lubricant, including fragrance oils, tiki torch oils, engine oil, etc.
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Personal care products, especially contact lens disinfectants and hand sanitizers
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Other chemicals
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Step 3: Read and Follow Labels and Directions
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Make a habit of reviewing the label on any potentially hazardous substance or product prior to use, especially before administering medicines.
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Take care to follow usage directions, as well as instructions for safe storage and disposal.
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Call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have any questions about the directions
Step 1: Make a Plan
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Be prepared for a poison emergency by having a plan ready and in place BEFORE something happens
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Save the Poison Control number onto your phone and display it visibly somewhere in your house
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1-800-222-1222; or text POISON to 797979
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All calls are free, confidential and professionals are available 24/7 all year long​
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Poison Control
1-800-222-1222

Step 4: Detect Invisible Threats
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To protect your family, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
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Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can lead to severe illness and even death.
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Most carbon monoxide exposures occur during the winter months or during power outages.
Food Poisoning Safety
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Step 1: Prepare Food Safely to Avoid Food Poisoning
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Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by ingesting contaminated food.
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The most common causes of food poisoning are infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or their toxins.
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These infectious organisms, or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production.
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Contamination can also occur at home, if food is incorrectly handled or cooked.
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The CDC estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases.
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The most common symptoms of food poisoning include:
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upset stomach
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abdominal cramps
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nausea and vomiting
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diarrhea
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fever
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dehydration
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Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and may differ depending on the causative agent. Severe cases of food poisoning can cause long-term health problems or death.
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If you have any questions about safe food preparation, or if you or someone you know suspects food poisoning, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222
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Step 2: Food Safety Tips for Preparing Meals
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PREPARE:
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Keep raw meats, eggs, and poultry separate from other foods in grocery bags, on the counter, and during preparation.
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COOK:
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Use a food thermometer to check if meat is fully cooked and reached the internal temperature required to kill harmful bacteria. Once cooked, keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
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STORE:
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Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Consume or freeze within 3-4 days.
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Step 3: Reminders for Mushroom Foraging
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Poisonous mushrooms often resemble mushrooms that are safe to eat
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Cooking mushrooms will not remove or inactivate toxins
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Do not ingest any wild mushrooms unless you are 100% sure that they are safe to eat
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Remember if you have any questions about safe food preparation or if you or someone you know suspects food poisoning, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to speak to an expert at your local poison control center. You can also get help via the online tool: PoisonHelp.org​​


