As soon as we put up the scary Halloween decorations here at the poison center, I am reminded it is also time to talk about preventing accidental poisonings during the fall and winter holidays. During the feasting and decorating, as a person dedicated to prevention, I also consider the special risks that go with the approaching season.

Most of the dangers are to our youngsters. With the distractions of more shopping, cooking, parties and visitors, we adults may be less vigilant in supervising the little people in our midst. That’s an invitation for kids to eat or drink something that could be toxic. While about half of our calls at the poison center throughout the year involve youngsters under 6, during Thanksgiving and the days around Christmas, the call rate for cases about children goes even higher.

Here are some concerns for the grown-ups in charge to keep in mind during the upcoming busy season.

1. Visiting adults not used to having young children nearby may not be aware that they are putting potential poisons within a tot’s reach. Purses and suitcases may contain new, attractive and possibly dangerous temptations like pills, makeup, eye drops, lotions and other common products. Keep your bags and contents out of reach, and make sure there is an adult watching the kids at all times. Just one pill from some prescription medications common to adults, such as diabetes or high blood pressure medications, can be deadly for a child.

A common scenario during the holiday goes something like this: Grandma is staying in 3-year-old Joey’s room over her Christmas visit. She leaves her purse, including her pill case, on the bedside table there. Joey goes into his room alone for a toy. He spies the purse, and knowing Grandma usually gives him candy treats, goes looking for a sweet. You can see how easily a serious accident can happen.

2. Very old seasonal decorations or ornaments from other countries may contain lead, which is dangerous to lick or eat. Bubble lights contain a liquid that may cause lethargy, difficulty in breathing, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and stomach problems if it is swallowed. Keep ornaments for toddlers and call your poison center if you think your child has tasted this liquid.

3. Make sure that lamp oils and air fresheners, which contain ingredients that are toxic, are kept out of reach of small children. Be careful of where you put snow globes, too. Some snow globes have as much as 20 percent antifreeze in the liquid enclosed in the globe.

Always keep alcohol well out of a child's reach

4. Alcohol of all types is seriously dangerous to small children, and can lead to coma. Never leave alcoholic beverages, even small amounts, in unattended containers or glasses where youngsters can sample them. Aftershaves, mouthwashes, colognes and perfumes also have alcohol in them, so make sure they are out of reach as well.

5. Most holiday plants are not toxic. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not deadly, though they may cause some mouth irritation and mild intestinal symptoms if chewed. Holly berries can cause nausea and vomiting if a child eats several. Most mistletoe in the United States is a variety that causes few, if any, symptoms.

6. However, tobacco products, including cigarette butts, can cause seizures in children. Keep ashtrays clean and make sure all tobacco products are out of reach.

I always recommend that adults examine their home through the eyes of a child. Stoop down or crawl on your hands and knees to see what dangers you may have overlooked. And then have a safe and happy holiday season!

Call the toll-free national hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison center. If you live in Arizona outside of Maricopa County, this number will get you to our experts at the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center in Tucson. Check out our Web site for more information.