Top 10 Ways to Poison-Proof Your Home

Here are 10 ways to prepare, prevent, and protect you and your loved ones from poisoning dangers in and around the home.

  1. Do not take medicine in front of children; they love to imitate adults
  2. Install carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors in your home and test that they are working and change their batteries every 6 months
  3. Keep all household and personal care products in their original containers locked up, out of sight and reach of children
  4. Keep houseplants out of reach of small children and know the names of plants in your home and yard
  5. Never call medicine candy—children may confuse medicine for candy
  6. Never leave children unattended around items that use button batteries (e.g., toys, remotes, greeting cards)
  7. Never leave purses or bags that may contain medicine, cosmetics, and other poison dangers unattended or in a child’s reach
  8. Never put something that is not food in a food or beverage container, such as a soda bottle, cup or glass
  9. Properly dispose of any expired, unwanted, or unused medicine around the home
  10. Save the toll-free Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222, in all phones! It’s fast, free, and confidential

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