National Poison Prevention Week occurs annually during the third week of March.  In observation of poison prevention week, we have reprinted the following Safety Tips for You and Your Family.

The safety tips below were adapted from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Poison Prevention Tips, 2002 and the CDC Perspective in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion National Poison Prevention Week: 25^th Anniversary Observance MMWR, 1986.

Make your home safer:

• Post the poison control number 1-800-222-1222 on or near every home telephone.  
• Store all medicines, household products, and personal care products in locked cabinets that are out of reach of small children.  
• Know the names of the plants in your house and yard.  Identify poisonous plants and place them out of reach of children or remove them.
• Be aware of any medicines that visitors may bring into your home.  Make sure your visitors do not leave their medicines where children can find them easily, for example in an unattended purses or suitcase.
• Monitor the air quality in your house.  Place carbon monoxide monitors near the bedrooms in your house.  (CPSC, 2002)
• All combustion (fuel burning) appliances should be professionally installed and inspected annually. (CDC, 1995)
• Check your house for lead-based paints.  Contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD to receive more detailed information. (CDC, NCEH 2002)

Use poisonous products safely:

• Always store household products in their original containers.  Do not use food containers such as cups or bottles to store chemical products such as cleaning solutions or cosmetic products.
• Always read the labels before using a potentially poisonous product.  Never leave the product unattended while using it and return the product to the locked cabinet when you are finished.
• A light should be turned on when giving or taking medication.
• Avoid taking medicine in front of children because they tend to imitate adults.  
• Do not call medicine candy.
• Follow directions on label when taking medicines. Be aware of potential interactions with other medicines or alcohol and never share prescription drugs.
• Turn on the fan and open windows when using chemical products.
• Wear protective clothing (gloves, long pants, long sleeves, socks, shoes) when spraying pesticides and other chemicals.
• Never mix household and chemical products together.  A poisonous gas may be created when mixing chemicals.
• Do not burn fuels or charcoal or use gasoline-powered engines in confined spaces such as garages, tents, or poorly ventilated rooms (CDC, 1982).   

What to do if a poisoning exposure occurs:

1. Remain calm
2. If you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing call 911.  If you have a poison exposure and the victim is alert call 1-800-222-1222.  Try to have the following information ready if possible:
   • the person’s age and estimated weight
   • the container or bottle of the poisonous product, if available
   • time that the poison exposure occurred
   • your name and phone number
3. Follow the instructions from the emergency operator or the poison control center

 

Written By:  Tammy George