Safety First
September 12, 2007
Poison Help - According to iowapoison.org, half of all poison exposures occur in children ages five and under.
In Case of Poisoning:
- Have the Poison Help phone number available for use 1-800-222-1222
- Do your older children know how to use the 911 system?
- If an accident happens, can adults in the family be easily reached?
Visit their website for coloring pages to help teach your little ones the dangers of ingesting household chemicals, medications, etc. Here are some of their home safety tips.
Laundry Area: KEEP -
- All bleaches, soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, bluing agents and sprays out of reach.
- All products in their original containers.
Bathroom: KEEP -
- All medications, cosmetics, hair care products, toothpaste, mouthwash and cleners out of reach.
- Medicine storage area cleaned out regularly, old medicines flushed down the toilet.
- All medications in original, child-resistant containers.
Garage/Basement: KEEP -
- Insect sprays and lawn care products in locked area.
- Gasoline and car care products in secured area or locked trunk.
- Paint, paint cleaners and other home care products in locked area.
- All products in their original containers.
Kitchen: KEEP -
- All household products and medications out of reach and out of sight.
- Child safety latches on all drawers or cabinets containing harmful products or sharp objects.
- No toxic products stored with food or in food containers.
- No medicines on counters or in open areas.
- Remove household products, such as cleaning products, dishwashing compounds and drain cleaners, from under the sink.
Bathroom: KEEP -
- All medications, cosmetics, hair care products, toothpaste, mouthwash and cleaners out of reach.
- Medicine storage area cleaned out regularly, old medicines flushed down the toilet.
- All medications in original, child-resistant containers.
Bedroom: KEEP -
- No medicines in or on dresser or bedside table.
- All cologne, aftershave, cosmetics, and powders out of reach.
General Household: KEEP -
- Alcoholic beverages out of reach.
- Paint in good condition - no chipping or peeling.
- No mouse baits in areas where children play.
- Storage area for medication and other products is a locked cabinet located up high.
- Plants identified and out of reach.
