With Halloween right around the corner, it is time to consider steps to increase chances of a safe holiday. Each year, Poison Centers across the country manage numerous exposures involving Halloween-related substances and products.

The Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center staff reminds everyone to keep the following simple precautions in mind while preparing for and celebrating the holiday:

• Check all candy and treats for choking hazards.

• Make sure medicine is not left out and within a child‚s reach, as children may confuse them for candy.

• Be aware of small batteries in flashlights and decorations;

if swallowed, they may be a choking hazard or cause other life-threatening issues for small children.

• Dry ice should be used with appropriate protective clothing, as skin exposure can cause severe burns.

• Do not store dry ice in the freezer or an unventilated area.

• The chemical dibutyl phthalate, found inside glow sticks, can be harmful if it comes in direct contact with the eyes.

• Use caution when applying Halloween makeup, as most contain dyes, oils and fragrances that could irritate the skin. Test makeup on a small area of skin first.

• Do not use super glue as eyelash glue. Call the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information at (800) 222-1222 with any questions or concerns regarding potential hazards that arise during Halloween festivities. Oklahomans are encouraged to save the Poison Center‚s phone number in your phone.

Pharmacists and registered nurses at the Poison Center are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Poison Center stresses the pubic not email the Center or a member of the poison center staff, as poisoning emergencies are not handled through email. The Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information is a program of the OU College of Pharmacy at the OU Health Sciences Center. For more information, visit OklahomaPoison.org.