Columbia, SC (WLTX) - WLTX wants you and your family to have a safe, delicious and fun 4th of July celebration. Here are a few things to keep in mind while enjoying your holiday.
Dr. Jill Michels a Clinical Pharmacist and Director of the Palmetto Poison Center at USC's South Carolina College of Pharmacy says, "One of the major issues over the hot summer months concerns improperly stored food. As the temperature rises the risk for bacteria growth increases. Always follow proper storage methods for events both inside and outside."
While you're out barbecuing and enjoying grandma's homemade potato salad, Palmetto Poison Control wants you to keep this in mind:
- Refrigerate or freeze perishable food within 2 hours(1 hour if temperatures are above 80 degrees).
- Never place fresh fruit/vegetables or cooked food in the same container or on the same surface that raw food has touched.
- Always wash your hands after handling raw meat. Scrub hands, wrists, fingernails and in between fingers with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Another thing to be aware of besides the potential for food poisoning is carbon monoxide exposure while boating. Poison Control says the exposures can happen quickly and be deadly.
According to officials there have been at least 17 reported fatalities from boat exhaust in the US since 1990. Here are some ways to avoid carbon monoxide exposure while cruising on the lake:
- Do not let your boat idle when in a stationary position including anchoring in coves or when several boats are tied together.
- Do not sit on the swim platform of idling boats. There have been case reports of individuals within less than a minute becoming unresponsive due to carbon monoxide.
- Be aware of carbon monoxide exposure symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
If you are experiencing any symptoms contact the Palmetto Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also find additional information and free materials by clicking here.
Happy Independence Day!