Safe Kids Safety Tips: Poison Prevention
Safety & Awareness | March 6, 2023
By Carly Hermes, RN, BSN, Safe Kids Fox Valley Coordinator
Did you know that National Poison Prevention week is the third week in March every year?
The week is an important week to focus on the dangers medications and other poisons can pose for those all around. Poison Prevention week is especially an important focal point for our young children who like to explore around the house. Read on to find out tips to keep your littles safe at home!
Medication Safety
Safe Kids Worldwide reports that medicines are the leading cause of child poisoning. In 2017, nearly 52,000 children under the age of 6 were seen in the emergency room for medicine poisoning. Find the medication safety tips below to avoid your child being a statistic.
- Keep medicines in places where children are unable to see or reach them. Keep in mind that children can find medicines in places like a purse, coat pocket, or dresser drawer.
- Have the poison control center phone number accessible in the home especially when other caregivers are around.
- Remember products like vitamins, eye drops, and diaper creams can be a danger if not properly stored.
Poison Prevention
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, poisoning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1-19 years old. Use these helpful tips below to prevent poisonous materials from getting in the hands of your child:
- Keep household and personal care products where children are unable to see or reach them. Examples include household cleaning products, pesticides, alcohol, and liquid laundry detergent packets.
- Use safety locks to keep children from accessing hazardous items.
- Store and use household cleaning and personal products according to the manufacturer’s label.
- Always keep poisonous items in their original container.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is gas that is both odorless and colorless. Children can have severe side effects that come on quickly if exposed. Simple steps can be taken around the house to avoid being exposed:
- Each level of your home should have a carbon monoxide detector in place.
- Set a reoccurring schedule to check your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly
- Never run a car in your garage, even with the garage door open.
- Never use a generator or gasoline/charcoal burning device inside your home.
- If the carbon monoxide alarm goes off, leave your house right away and call 911.
Poison Control Help line
Call 1-800-222-1222 or go online at poison.org
