The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) encourages parents, grandparents and caregivers to learn the dangers of poisonings and how to keep children safe.
“About half of all poison exposures reported to poison centers involve children younger than 6, most often occurring when parents are busy preparing meals, caring for other children, or completing everyday household chores. Poisonings also occur when the normal routine changes – during holidays or while moving, visiting or traveling,” Baeza said. “National Poison Prevention Week is the perfect time to poison-proof your home to keep your children and grandchildren safe.”
Since 1962, the third week in March has been designated National Poison Prevention Week. It draws national attention to the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them
That in mind, experts at America’s 57 poison centers urge parents, grandparents and caregivers to take the following steps to keep children safe from poisonings:
- Inspect your home and garage to make sure medicines, cleaning products, pesticides and fertilizers are stored up high, away and out of sight of children.
- Tell children what medicine is and why you must be the one to give it to them. Never call medicine “candy” to get them to take it.
- Don’t leave medicines or vitamins on counters, window sills, bedside tables or the refrigerator top.
- Take your medicine where children can’t see you; they may try to imitate you.
- Teach children to always ask an adult before eating, drinking or touching anything.
- Keep cleaning products and household chemicals in their original containers with their original labels intact.
- Keep batteries out of a child’s reach. Call your local poison center right away if a child swallows a battery.
- Keep magnetic toys and other magnetic items away from small children. Call your local poison center right away if you think a child has swallowed a magnet.
- Know the name of all household plants in your home; remove any poisonous plants from your house and yard.
- Remember that child-resistant is not child-proof. Layer the protection: re-seal and lock up, out of sight and reach.
For more information about the American Association of Poison Control Center, or about National Poison Prevention Week, visit www.aapcc.org.
