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