Poison Proofing Tips

Here are some helpful hints to help you poison proof where you live, work, or go school.

• Install safety latches on all cupboards containing harmful products.
• Keep all products in thier original container.(not in pop bottles, cups etc.)
• Never refer to medicine as candy.
• Discard old medicines safely and responsibly. (Don't pour them down the drain or in the toilet, as they may then contaminate the water supply.)
• Rinse empty containers and dispose of them properly.
• Never take or give medicines in the dark.
• Purchase products with child-resistant caps when possible.
• Store cleaning supplies out of reach and out of sight of children.
• Don't store medicines or cleaning agents near food.
• Keep poison control center, physician and hospital phone numbers readily available.
• Keep syrup of ipecac on hand; call your local poison control center, physician or hospital prior to use.

When you are poison proofing your home, or taking a safety tour with young children, consider the following checklist of things to be concerned about. While this is not an exhaustive list, it's a good starting point.

It can be especially useful when talking with children to ask them to point out poisons. Use this list to get things rolling.