For adults and children alike, common household supplies can be dangerous when ingested, inhaled or in contact with skin or eyes. Additionally, over-the-counter and prescription drugs can have adverse effects if not taken with caution. We offer you the following tips to keep you and your family safe.

Household medicines:

• Always follow the directions on the medicine label when you are giving or taking medication. Correct dosage is important.
• Medicine should be kept in locked cabinets, out of the sight and reach of children.
• Check with your doctor before taking multiple over-the-counter or prescription medications.
• Never share prescribed medication with anyone for whom the medication is not prescribed, as dosage and other drug safety concerns vary from person to person.
• Periodically clean out your medicine cabinets. Check expiration dates on over-the-counter and prescription drugs and discard those that have expired.

Household chemicals:

• Always read the label before using a product that may be poisonous or hazardous.
• Keep chemicals in their original containers, read instructions and warnings before use.
• Never mix household chemicals as this could release toxic gases.
• Make sure the room you are cleaning or working in is well-ventilated.
• Keep chemicals in locked cabinets, away from children and pets.

What to do if poisoning occurs:

• Remain calm.
• Call 911 or the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
• Have the following information available:
  • The victim’s age and weight.
  • The container or bottle of the poison.
  • The time of exposure.
  • The address where the poisoning occurred.
• Stay on the phone and follow the directions given by the operator.
• With many pills, it may take several hours or longer for symptoms to develop. Do not wait. Call the poison control center immediately.
• Anyone exposed to a toxic gas should be removed from the source and placed in fresh air.

For More Information:

American Association of Poison Control Centers

www.aapcc.org

Poison Prevention Week Council

www.poisonprevention.org