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Thought2Action LLC ®
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Posts: 99

More than 90% of poisonings happen at home. For National Poison Prevention Week, get organized to prevent accidental poisonings. Quick tips for adults:

 

Do not mix household or chemical products. This can result in a dangerous gas. Keep these products separate, in their original containers, tightly closed or sealed. Read package labels before use, and note what to do in case package contents come in contact with skin, eyes, or mouth.

 

Store household chemicals separately from food items. Keep food and chemical products as far apart as possible to prevent accidental contamination or ingestion.

 

Ventilate areas where household chemicals are in use. Open a window or turn on a ventilation fan, and never sniff chemical containers to find out what is inside.

 

Do not share prescription medicines. If you are taking more than one medicine at a time, check for possible interactions with your doctor or other health care provider, pharmacist, or the toll-free Poison Help Line: 1-800-222-1222.

 

Do not take medicine in the dark. You risk taking the wrong medicine, taking too much medicine, or mixing medicine if you can't see the label.

 

Dispose of unlabeled medicines. It's possible to identify the contents of medicine containers that are no longer labeled, but it's difficult to determine when the medicines expire. Contact the Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222, for help with identification and disposal.

 

Protect children from dangerous substances. Keep all medicines, household cleaners, and other chemicals and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of reach of children.

 

For seasonal poison prevention, visit poisonprevention.org. Share here your poison prevention tips.

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Get Organized 2 Get It Done!

March 23, 2011 at 9:23 AM Flag Quote & Reply

Thought2Action LLC ®
Site Owner
Posts: 99

Children under six years old are the most likely to be poisoned. To keep the children you love safe from accidental poisoning, take steps to protect them from the hazards in your home, and teach them what to do in potentially dangerous situations.

 

Tips to protect children from poisoning

The following products are poisonous for children:

• Painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol is one brand) and similar medications

• Cosmetics like perfume or nail polish

• Personal care products like deodorant and soap

• Cleaning products like laundry or dishwasher detergent and floor cleaners

 

Use the following tips to organize potentially poisonous products out of children's reach:

• Store medicines and household cleaning products in locked cabinets, out of sight and reach of children.

• Keep children where you can see them at all times, even when you answer the door or telephone.

• Never leave young children alone.

• Do not leave poisons on a counter or in an unlocked cabinet.

• Never carry something that can be poisonous, such as a medicine, in a purse where children may find it.

• Use safety latches on drawers and cabinets

• Use child-resistant caps on bottles

 

Tips to teach children about poisoning

• If you are unsure of something that could potentially be dangerous, ask an adult.

• Poisons can be anywhere: at home, in the yard, on the playground, at school. or on the sidewalk.

• If you think someone has been poisoned, tell an adult immediately.

• To help someone who has been poisoned, call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222). This phone number connects you to your local poison center, and someone there can help you.

 

Good habits to teach children to prevent accidental poisoning:

• If you do not know what something is, do not put it in your mouth.

• Never put plants and berries in your mouth that are not prepared as a meal or snack.

• Never take medicine unless a parent tells you to.

• Always let grown-ups use spray cans and bottles for you. Do not touch or play with them.

• Stay away from things in bottles and cans used to clean the house, clothes, or car.

 

For additional details and more information about preventing accidental poisoning among children, link to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Safe Kids USA, About.com, and the Centers for Disease Control.

 

Share here your tips for getting organized to protect children from accidental poisoning.

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Get Organized 2 Get It Done!

March 23, 2011 at 9:30 AM Flag Quote & Reply

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