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Travel Tips

Poisonings don't take a vacation

In fact, they might even be more likely! Poisonings don’t take a vacation; they happen 365 days a year. When traveling, you are at an increased risk of poisoning. Daily routines are interrupted and you’re in different environments. When you are visiting places that aren’t your usual environment, medicines, cleaners and other potential poisons may not be stored in the way you and your family are used to. Follow these tips to stay safe:

  • Although trips are times to relax, ensure children are always supervised. Poisonings happen quickly, so it’s important to have at least one adult supervising children. Children may be more interested in exploring a space they aren’t used to.
  • It’s important to continue safe storage practices when traveling. Medicines, personalcare products and cleaning products should all be stored up, away and out of sight. If you are hosting travelers, offer your guests a safe place to store their items that is up, away and out of sight.
  • When packing for a trip, keep your medicines in their original child-resistant containers. Other containers, such as pill organizers and baggies, often lack child safety features and can be easily opened by young children. Adults may also forget what medicines they put in the baggie and take the wrong dose or wrong medicine. The original labeled packages include dosing and other important information that should be read when taking medicines.
  • Never leave medicine or vitamins out on a table, countertop or bedside table where children could reach them. Relock the safety cap and put them away every time you use them.
  • While staying in a hotel, secure your medicines and vitamins in a location that your children can’t see or reach, like a high cabinet or passcode-protected hotel room safe. As a guest in another person’s home, don’t be shy about asking them where to put your medicines and vitamins so they’re out of sight and reach of children.
  • Bring extra medicine, in case of travel delays.
  • If you are flying, pack medications in your carry-on luggage so you have access to them during your flight or if your checked luggage gets lost.
  • Consult with your physician or pharmacist if you are traveling through several time zones to develop a specific plan to adjust the timing and dosage of your medications.
  • If hiking, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and ankle boots to protect yourself from snake, spider and insect bites and plants that cause skin irritation.
  • Do not eat wild berries, mushrooms or plants without specifically knowing what it is. Many variations are poisonous.
  • Not sure if your home away from home has a carbon monoxide alarm? Pack a portable, battery backup carbon monoxide alarm just in case.
  • Avoiding cooking or running a generator inside a tent, RV cabin or other enclosed space. Always use fuel-burning equipment outside in a well-ventilated area.
  • Never sit, “teak surf,” or hang on the back deck or swim platform of a boat while the engines are running. Avoid water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing within 20 ft. of the boat.
  • If you’re taking food on the road, it is important to remember safe food storage practices. Be sure to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Call the 24-Hour Poison Help Line for Additional Support:

800-222-1222

1-800-222-1222
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