A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable..
A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: July 13, 2025 @ 8:00 pm
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CHARLESTON ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is easy to overlook unsuspecting items in the home that could pose a hazard.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œPoisonings often occur when normal routines are disrupted, as is common during the holidays,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Carissa McBurney, community outreach coordinator for the West Virginia Poison Center, said in a news release.
To help ensure that your holiday season is safe and merry, stay aware of the following potential hazards.
Alcohol can be very dangerous to children, as well as to pets. When parties and celebrations are taking place, children are more apt to drink unfinished alcoholic beverages if they are left out. Clean up all alcohol immediately.
Traditional holiday plants may be beautiful as part of the holiday decor, but be sure to know which of your plants are toxic. Holly and mistletoe berries are toxic. Consider using plastic plants instead of the real thing if small children will have access to them. Poinsettias are not poisonous, but like all plants, are still a choking hazard.
Although many precautions have been taken to make toys safe for children, some toys being sold are still unsafe. Always stay up-to-date on toy recalls.
Avoid water-expanding toys that expand to the size of a quarter or larger.
Most childrenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s products using small batteries are required to have a secured compartment to lessen the chance of accidental exposures. However, children can still swallow these batteries if not secured.
Do not allow children to play with button batteries or items with batteries that are easily accessible. Button batteries can cause serious injury or death if ingested.
Also, do not purchase magnetic toy sets or novelty items if there are young children in the home. High-powered magnets can also have devastating consequences if swallowed.
Visitors may bring their medications with them in addition to presents. Make sure medications are not stored in suitcases, pockets, or purses where children may go exploring. To a child, medicine looks like candy. Find a place for visitors to store their medicines out of your childÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s reach.
If you suspect a poisoning has occurred, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call the West Virginia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Medical experts at the West Virginia Poison Center are available 24/7, even on the holiday, to answer calls about poison emergencies and poison questions.
The West Virginia Poison Center provides comprehensive emergency poison information, prevention and educational resources to West Virginians 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The WVPC is staffed by nurses, pharmacists and physicians with special training in treatment of poisonings. Located in Charleston, the WVPC is a part of the West Virginia University-Charleston Division. Toll-free: 1-800-222-1222. Website:www.wvpoisoncenter.org.
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