24 Hours, 7 days a week Iowa Poison Control Center
Poison Help 1-800-222-1222
Poison First AidAbout the Poison CenterInformation for the HomeInformation for EducatorsInformation for Health Care ProfessionalsContact Us
<empty>
<empty> 1-800-222-1222 Poison Help

Seasonal Hazards
 
Winter Holidays
 
Fall and Winter Poison Safety
 
Holiday Plants

Turkey Cooking Tips

Halloween Safety Precautions
 
Vacation Travel
 
Poem
 
Summer Safety Quiz
 
Summer Quiz Answers

Mercury Cleanup Guideline

'Tis the Season to be Poisoned

by John H. Trestrail III, RPh, ABAT


'Twas the morning post-party, when all through the house,

No adult was stirring, not even your spouse.

The children, you thought, were asleep in their beds.

 But, what you didn't know, they had other ideas in their heads.

Your house was awash in post-party trash,

And the kids thought this was a gold mine, better than cash.

There were ashtrays with butts and glasses with drink

And a visitor's purse lay there by the sink.

The kids were delighted and felt ever so free,

And then their bright eyes-locked onto the tree!

There was tinsel, and lights that bubbled so merry,

And a strange plant with fruits, called "Jerusalem Cherry".

Food was left out on the table all night,

And if they could have seen the bacteria, what a horrible sight!

And there by the fireplace was a box shaped just right,

That contained some powder to make fire colors bright.

A small toy broke open, and there at their feet,

Was a round tiny battery that looked good to eat.

 As you see your home, where you thought poisons naught,

On this holiday season, was NOT as safe as you thought!

As you rose from your sleep and rubbed your eyes free,

You looked for the kids, and a disaster you see!

You sprang to the phone, not a moment to spare,

And talked to the folks you knew would be there.

Your Poison Center sure helped you get through the mix,

And you thought-" How'd we ever get into this fix?"

For you see holidays can present problems so rare,

That before they can happen, you must be sure to prepare.

It takes just a moment to think what might be,

And clean up your trash, so your home's poison free.

And so, my dear friends, keep the holidays bright,

Put away all, and sleep peaceful tonight.

Enjoy the holidays, but be aware of potential hazards!!!

Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 (Voice/TTY) 24 hours a day • 7 days a week • free of charge 

Home | Poison First Aid | About the Poison Center | Poison Information for the Home | Information for Educators | Information for Health Care Professionals | Contact Us

<empty>
The ISPCC is a partnership between UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

© ISPCC/HRPC - All rights reserved. Please read our disclaimer.