A young family visits a pumpkin patch during autumn.Fall in Iowa brings cooler weather, busy school schedules, and cold and flu season. It also brings new fall hazards and increased risk of accidental poisoning in the home. From medications and pest control products to holiday traditions, understanding common poisons and practicing poison prevention are key aspects of family safety.

These fall season safety tips from your local poison control center will help you protect your household all autumn long.

Common Fall Poison Hazards

Medicines, Vitamins, and Supplements

During cold and flu season, families rely more on medications. This makes medication safety especially important. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements are among the most common causes of poisonings

Follow these cold and flu season safety tips:

  • Keep all medicines in their original containers with child-resistant lids
  • Store medications up, away, and locked out of sight
  • Never take medicine in the dark or share prescriptions
  • Always read and follow product label directions

If you have questions, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the Iowa Poison Control Center to talk to one of our specially trained nurses or pharmacists. 

Carbon Monoxide

Heating systems and fireplaces are used more often in the fall. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be seen or smelled.

Add this to your fall home safety checklist:

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home
  • Test detectors monthly and replace batteries regularly
  • Have heating systems and gas water heaters inspected annually

Pest Control Products and Baits

As pests move indoors, many households use pest control products. Practicing pesticide safety is essential to prevent exposure.

  • Store pest control products and insect repellents securely and out of reach
  • Use only as directed on the label
  • Place baits where children and pets cannot access them

These are critical fall home safety checklist items and key fall pet safety tips as well.

Essential Oils and Diffusers

Essential oils are popular during the fall for seasonal scents like cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, and peppermint. While they may seem natural and harmless, concentrated oils can be harmful if swallowed, applied incorrectly, or used around children and pets.

To improve family safety and reduce accidental poisoning risks:

  • Keep essential oil bottles out of reach and locked away
  • Never allow young children to handle oils
  • Avoid applying oils directly to skin without proper dilution
  • Use diffusers in areas where children and pets cannot access them
  • Clean up spills right away

Halloween and Seasonal Items

Halloween decorations and treats bring unique risks. Following Halloween safety guidelines can help prevent injuries and poisonings.

Watch for:

  • Glow sticks and glow jewelry (can irritate skin and eyes)
  • Candy overconsumption or choking hazards
  • Decorations with button batteries

Practice button battery safety by securing battery compartments and keeping spare batteries locked away. Swallowing a button battery is a medical emergency.

Fall Poison Prevention Tips

These safety tips for fall can reduce your risk of accidental poisoning:

  • Keep medicines, chemicals, and household products locked away
  • Store items in original containers with clear labels
  • Dispose of unused or expired medications safely
  • Teach children to avoid unknown substances
  • Follow fall pet safety tips by keeping harmful products away from animals

Practicing these autumn season safety tips helps keep a home safer during these busy months.

Get Fast, Free Poison Help

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you think someone has been exposed to a harmful substance, getting expert advice can make all the difference.

Don’t wait in an emergency. Save the Poison Help line 1-800-222-1222 today, and contact Iowa Poison Control Center for trusted, immediate assistance.