The Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center at Winthrop-University Hospital offers the following tips to help safeguard you and your family during the winter season when cold and flu viruses are more common and fuel-burning appliances are used more often:

Medication Safety:

* Read labels carefully before giving or taking medications.

* Do not take medicine in front of children, because children like to imitate adults.

* Do not take medicine that belongs to someone else, even if you have the same symptoms.

* Lock all medicines, including vitamins, away from children.

* Use child-resistant lids and replace them tightly.

* Never call medicine "candy."

* Be aware that some cold/flu medicines can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and cause drowsiness.

* If you take medication for high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking any cold/flu medication.

Carbon Monoxide Safety:

* Install at least one carbon monoxide detector near the sleeping areas in your home.

* Make sure that all fuel burning appliances are in good working condition and have proper outside venting.

* Make sure your chimney flue is not clogged.

* Never use gas range, gas oven, and gas or oil space heater to heat your home.

* Never use charcoal grill indoors.

* Never leave an automobile engine running in an enclosed garage.

Please contact the Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center at (800) 222-1222 or (516) 663-2650 for poisoning emergencies and poison-related information. For more poison prevention information, log onto www.lirpdic.org.