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Home Safety
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If you suspect poisoning, call the Poison Center at (800) 222-1222 right away. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
What's the best way to prevent poison's harmful effects? Take proper precautions to make sure your family is not accidentally exposed. Use the following hints to minimize the threat of poison in your home.
 
Be Aware 
  • Choose safe products.
  • Buy products with safety caps.
  • Buy only as much product as you need at the time.
  • Read the labels. Pay attention to warnings. Follow directions for proper use and storage. 
Take Care
 
The following list can help you prevent accidental poisonings when using medicines: 
  • Always follow directions. Take only the recommended dose.
  • Always use only medicine prescribed for yourself.
  • Always turn on a light before taking medicine.
  • Always close caps tightly.
  • Always keep medicines in their original containers.
  • Always put medicines away right after use.
  • Always store topical medicines separately from oral/inhaled ones.
  • Throw out old, outdated medicines.
  • Keep medicines out of sight and reach of small children.
When dealing with poisons other than medicine, keep the following sound advice in mind:
  • Always keep products in their original containers.
  • Don't use soft drink or food containers to store other products.
  • Always make sure products have clear labels.
  • Always store cleaning products away from food.
  • Always put cleaners away right after use.
  • Always throw away unfinished alcoholic drinks.
  • Do not leave small children alone with harmful products within sight or reach.
  • Always put safety latches on cabinets within reach of children. 
What to do When You Call for Help
  • Take the product or empty bottle with you to the phone.
  • Bring the child with you. Do not leave the child with the poison.
  • Be ready to provide the following information: age and weight of the person, exact name of the product or substance taken and what it looks like and how much was taken.

Children Act Fast 

It often seems that children are just one quick step ahead of adults when it comes to potential poisoning situations. They can move ever so quickly onto counters, into purses and under sinks. Children are very aware of when they are not being watched, especially in settings other than their own home. They do not react as adults would because after all they are not little adults at all.
 
Age 6-8 months: Roll over, sit up, try to stand…everything goes into the mouth as they explore.
 
Age 9-12 months: Crawl, climb, explore as they are able to open caps and must taste everything.
 
Age 2 years: Walk, run, use teeth on caps, open drawers and gates…never-ending curiosity needs close watching.
 
Age 3-5 years: Totally mobile and can access everything…but can't read to know if products can hurt.
 
Remember that caps are considered to be child-resistant, not child-proof, which means that a child can open these containers if given enough time.
 
When in Doubt, Check it Out
 
Don't wait to investigate if you find the following: 
  • Open container or spill near child
  • Pills, berries or other unknown substance in the mouth
  • Redness, irritation or burns around the mouth or on the skin
  • Strange odor on the breath
  • Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
  • Dizziness, unsteady walking
  • Coughing, choking, gagging