This week, March 20-26 is Poison Prevention Week. Did you know that every year more than 2 million poison-related injuries and deaths are reported in the United States and more than 90 percent of these cases occur in the home?
The majority of poison-related accidents occurs among children but can be prevented by taking the proper precautions to store, dispose or conceal items that contribute to these incidents.
The following safety tips are recommended by The American Association of Poison Control Centers and can help you reduce the risk of an accident your home:
- Place the Poison Help number in a place that is easily accessible or viewable. That number is 1 (800) 222-1222. Calls are free, confidential, and answered by experts at all times.
- Safely store these substances in cabinets with childproof locks or in child- resistant containers:
- Medications
- Vitamins
- Tobacco products, especially liquid nicotine
- Laundry and cleaning supplies
- Alcohol
- Pesticides or insect repellants
- Hand sanitizers
- Small batteries
- Read medication labels properly before administering.
- Never call medication “candy” to encourage children to take it.
- Avoid taking medications in front of young children.
- Do not use food storage containers to store harmful products such as detergents or pesticides.
While practicing these guidelines should be routine, we invite you to use Poison Prevention Awareness Week as a reminder to ensure that your home is poison safe.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.