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Staying Safe Preventing Poisoning

Staying Safe: Preventing Poisoning

May 1, 2024 General /Family
kid playing

Kids are super curious! They love to explore the world around them using all their senses – seeing, smelling, touching, and even tasting. Sometimes kids eat, smell, or touch something that’s not safe for them, and this can lead to accidents like poisoning.

To help prevent accidental poisoning, make sure your home is a safe space for kids. That means every room, bathroom, kitchen, and outside areas like the garage and yard. Start by focusing on one area at a time, fix dangerous environments and put away anything harmful where kids can’t get to it.

To help make your home a safer place for kids:

  • ✓ Move cleaning products, medicine, and chemicals into locked cabinets or drawers. Also, keep an eye on things like art supplies - make sure they’re non-toxic and out of reach when not being used.
  • ✓ Be careful about plants, too - some can be poisonous. If you’re not a plant pro, ask someone who knows if you’re not sure about the plants in your home or yard.
  • ✓ Always keep drugs and alcohol locked up and away from kids. Medicine, and the bottles it comes in are not toys and should always be kept away from children.
  • ✓ Some imported jewelry, cosmetics, or household items can contain lead. Keep these items out of babies reach and mouth to help avoid lead poisoning.
  • ✓ Be mindful where you keep the trash – curious kids might find something in there to play with! Consider using a trashcan with a lid or storing trash behind a secure door.
  • ✓ Never use food containers to store things like paint or chemicals.
  • ✓ If you use bug spray or lawn products, choose ones that are safe for kids and pets.
  • ✓ Have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near bedrooms and places with heaters.

Always keep an eye on your child, whether you’re at home or somewhere else, and teach them about what’s safe to touch and what’s not. Know the signs of poisoning: feeling sleepy, throwing up, or having trouble breathing.

If you think your child might have been poisoned, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. You can also get help online: https://www.poison.org/