It’s National Poison Prevention Week
These tips can help you poison-proof your home to keep your family safe:
Choose safe products. Before you buy any product:
Read the label.
Choose products with child-resistant caps whenever possible.
Compare products.
Buy the smallest amount possible.
Use products safely. Be sure to:
Read the directions each time you use a product.
Never leave your child alone with a product, not even for a second, to answer the door or telephone.
Keep the lights on and wear your glasses whenever taking medicine.
Store all products safely by:
Keeping products out of a child’s reach in a locked cabinet.
Storing all products in original containers. Never store poisons in a food or beverage bottle.
Storing food and non-food products separately, since packaging often looks similar.
Using child-resistant containers and keeping them closed properly.
Disposing of products safely.
Keeping your purse out of reach of children.
Be safe about medicines by:
Never calling medicine candy. Children should know the difference.
Keeping medicines in a locked cabinet out of reach.
Not taking medicine in front of children. Children often imitate adults.
Teaching children not to take medicine unless given to them by an adult they trust.
Be safe about plants by:
Choosing non-poisonous plants for your home. Ask your poison control center or a local florist about a plant’s safety.
Learning which plants are toxic to children and pets. Label the plants.
Keeping plants up high and out of reach of children and pets.
More resources
What is a poison?
What to do if poisoned?
Household poisons and kids
Carbon monoxide poisoning
NYC Poison Control Center
