Poisoning is often preventable. Protect your family.

As a result of being poisoned, over 300 American children are treated in the ER each day—and two of them don’t make it. Thankfully, you can make your home almost completely poison proof and we’re sharing the steps below to help you keep your family safe.

Keep the threat locked away

In addition to clearly marked poisonous chemicals, household cleaners, detergents and medicines are also dangerous for children. Because naturally curious kids may eat or drink whatever they can get their hands on, store them in their original packaging, out of sight and reach of children.

Call for help

Put this number near every landline and into every cell phone: Nationwide Poison Control Center — (800) 222-1222. Poison Control is available 24/7 and the best call when you think a child has been poisoned and is awake and alert. For poison emergencies when a child has collapsed or isn’t breathing, call 911.

Read the directions

Sometimes there are mistakes in dosing when administering medicine to kids. Make sure you read all the warnings and track the dosage carefully before giving it your child.

If you don’t need it, dump it.

Get rid of any unused, unneeded, or expired drugs, vitamins, and supplements. To safely dispose of medicines, mix them with kitty litter or coffee grounds and throw them away. Another option is to turn them in during a National Drug Take-Back event or go to a local take-back service.

Too many poisonings happen because people are unaware of the danger. Now that you know how to protect your family, we encourage you to take action sooner than later. 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/pictureofamerica/pdfs/Picture_of_America_Poisoning.pdf

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/poisoning/index.html