Hot Coals, Hot Dogs and Fireworks Add Up to Fun, but Take Heed

* Fireworks: Fireworks are extremely dangerous. Small fireworks called “poppers” can explode in a child’s pocket, setting clothing on fire and resulting in serious burns.

* Grilling: Lighting the grill to cook hot dogs and hamburgers can turn into a tragedy if a toddler swallows charcoal lighter fluid, which can lead to serious poisoning.

If a child swallows lighter fluid, immediately wipe off any fluid on the exposed skin. It is important not to make the child vomit. Ipecac syrup should never be used for this particular poisoning emergency or when any petroleum distillate products, such as pine oil cleaners, furniture polishes or gasoline, are ingested.

If the child is coughing or has vomited, take the child to the nearest emergency room for a chest X-ray. Petroleum distillate charcoal lighter fluid can cause serious or potentially life-threatening chemical pneumonia.

The substance can enter the lungs when the child tries to swallow or vomit. If an adult or child has difficulty breathing after swallowing any poison, especially charcoal lighter fluid, call 911 immediately.

If you suspect that a child has swallowed a poison, call the California Poison Control System. The 24-hour emergency number is (800) 876-4766. The Poison Center staff evaluates each situation quickly and provides first-aid information.

* Hot coals: The incidence of children, as well as adults, stepping or falling on burning coals at the beach has increased dramatically over the years. Kids hit the beach running and before they realize it, they are walking or falling on hot coals buried under the sand. Parents should always keep a watchful eye on toddlers and children, and adults should be cautious of fire rings or fire pits and avoid these areas.

Buried coals can retain intense heat for up to 24 hours. Anyone who walks or falls on the hot coals can be severely burned and a child can sustain life-threatening injuries. Hot coals should always be disposed of in designated containers.

* A safe picnic: For a worry-free picnic, keep perishable foods--ham, potato or macaroni salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, lunch meat, cooked beef or chicken, deviled eggs, custard or cream pies--in a cooler with ice. Put leftovers back in the cooler as soon as you finish eating.

Toddlers can choke trying to swallow many picnic foods whole, such as hot dogs, hard-boiled eggs or marshmallows. Cut hot dogs lengthwise in narrow strips before serving, slice up other foods into small bite-sized pieces and keep children seated while eating.

When possible, store the cooler in the passenger area of the car during the trip home. It’s cooler than the trunk.

Source: California Poison Control System.