Poison Prevention

Poisoning is the second leading cause of unintentional home injury fatality, resulting in one quarter of all home injury deaths on average each year. Still more than half of families reported chemicals left unlocked and more than 80 percent of homes leave medicines unsecured.

• Make sure all potentially dangerous products (household cleaners, medicines, and typical garage items like antifreeze and pesticides) all have child resistant closures on them, are locked up, and are stored in high places.
• Homes with young children should have child locks installed on cabinets.
• Store food and non-food products separately. This protects consumers in the event of a leak in the product and reduces a possible confusion between items.
• Make sure all medicines and prescriptions have not expired. If they have expired they should be flushed in the toilet and not thrown away in the garbage.
• Immediately mop up puddles of anti-freeze and car oil in the garage or driveway. They are extremely harmful to children and pets.
• Read the use and storage directions before using products. Original labels on product containers often give important first-aid information.
• Wear gloves and follow manufacturer’s instructions when using harsh chemicals or cleaners.
• Do not mix household products, because a dangerous gas might form.
• Post the national poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222) next to every phone.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, have your home heating equipment inspected annually and install a UL-listed CO alarm near every sleeping area.