Poisoning: Prevent It
The American Association of Poison Control Centers, representing the poison control center network of the United States, offers the following poison prevention tips:
- If you think someone has been poisoned, call 1-800-222-1222 right away. Serious poisonings don't always have early signs.
- Put the number for your poison control center (1-800-222-1222) in your cell phone and near home phones.
- Keep medicines and household products in their original containers in a different place than food.
- Always read product labels and follow any directions.
- Keep household products and medicines locked up. Put them where kids can't see them or reach them.
- Buy products with child-resistant packaging. But remember, nothing is child-proof.
- Never call medicine "candy." Poisons may look like food or drink. Teach children to ask an adult before tasting anything.
- Learn about products and drugs that young people use to get "high." Talk to your teen or pre-teen about these dangers.
- Have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
Call 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison control center, anywhere in the United States. The call is free, private, 24/7/365, and expert help is available in more than 150 languages.
Read more about this topic: National Poison Prevention Week
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