Poison Prevention

Every year thousands of children under the age of five require emergency room treatment for poisonous ingestion. Many more are treated at home under the supervision of a poison control center. Most poisonings occur when the substance is being used. Many child poisonings can be prevented if parents & caregivers abide by the following suggestions.

Medications

• Keep medications in the originally labeled containers.
• Adults should avoid taking medicine in front of children.
• Never give one person's prescription medicine to another person.

Medicine Cabinet

Keep medicines "out of reach, out of sight" in a locked cabinet. When you give medicine to a child, take the medicine to the child, rather than taking the child to the medicine.

Vitamins

Child resistant caps are not child-proof. Never call medicine - even vitamins - "candy" or make a game out of taking medicine.

Emergency Numbers

Keep the poison control center number by your phone.

Calendar

Many poisonings occur when a household routine has been interrupted: guests, illness, holidays, etc.

Disposal

Dispose of old or expired medications.

Awareness

If the phone or doorbell rings - and you have medicine out - take it with you rather than leaving it in sight.

Storage

Avoid keeping medications in purses, briefcases, etc.

Cupboards

Keep medicines out of cupboards containing food.

Vitamins

Vitamins are considered medicine and should be treated as such. Taking too many, especially those containing iron, can be deadly for a child.

Containers

Never put chemicals in anything other than their original containers. Purchase these products in child-resistant containers.

Chemicals

Cleaning products, fertilizers, pesticides, bleach, car products & gasoline are examples of substances that can cause chemical poisoning if eaten. Remember that chemicals can also cause contact poisoning if spilled on the skin & eye injury if splashed in the eyes.

Lock

Store all chemicals out of sight & reach, preferably in a locked cupboard.

Plants

Make sure that home or yard plants are safe & non-toxic. Teach children to never eat leaves, berries or mushrooms they find in the yard or park.