Poison & Prevention Information By Age : Toddler and Preschool

Poison Prevention Tips

  • Be prepared. 
    • Put the poison control number (1-800-222-1222, U.S. only) in, on or near your phone. 
    • Save  as a browser favorite (webPOISONCONTROL.org).
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm in every sleeping area of your home.
  • Poison proof every home where your child spends time.
    • Lock household products and medicines out of your child’s reach.
    • Use child-resistant packaging. Replace caps securely.
    • Store household products in a different place from food and medicine.
    • Keep purses out of your child's reach. 
  • Use medicines safely. 
    • Read the label before taking or giving medicine. Follow instructions exactly.
    • Use the correct dosing syringe or cup, NOT a household spoon.
    • Ask your child’s pediatrician before giving any herbal medicine or supplement.
    • Read this report about medicine and child safety from Safe Kids Worldwide
  • These especially hazardous household products must always be kept out of a child's reach. Buy small quantities only. Discard unneeded extras safely. 
    • antifreeze
    • windshield washer solutions
    • drain cleaners
    • toilet bowl cleaners
    • insecticides
    • hydrocarbons (gasoline, oils, paint thinners)
  • Keep button batteries out of reach of children. Secure the battery compartment on remote controls, key fobs, cameras, watches, flameless candles, and every battery-powered product. Why? Batteries lodged in the esophagus can burn a hole in just 2 hours, causing death or damage that will require feeding tubes, breathing tubes, and extensive surgical repair.

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