Media Release: Seven tips for poison prevention

Keep medicines out of reach and use a childproof lock

03-18-2012 (Dayton, OH) -

Whether you have a baby, toddler, or school-age child, your home should be a haven where your little one can explore safely. After all, touching, holding, climbing, and exploring are the activities that develop your child’s body and mind. March 18-24 is Poison Prevention week and the experts at Dayton Children’s are reminding parents to keep in mind that there are poisonous items located throughout our homes, from fertilizer and antifreeze to medicines to makeup.

“Parents need to be smart when it comes to exposing children to poisonous substances and take the necessary steps to create a safe environment,” says Jessica Saunders, injury prevention coordinator and mommy safety blogger. “Supervision is the very best way to help prevent kids from getting injured, but even the most vigilant parent can’t keep a child 100% safe at all times.”

So what can parents and caregivers do to keep potentially poisonous substances out of kids’ hands? Dayton Children’s recommends these sevensteps to help prevent accidental poisonings:

Create a checklist and review how medicines, cleaning products, and garden or automotive products are stored in your home or care center.
Learn and post the U.S. poison control center phone number – 800-222-1222 – near phones in case of an emergency.
If you have or care for an infant, toddler, or school-age child, keep all toxic agents in locked cabinets.
Never leave vitamin bottles, aspirin bottles, or other medications where a child could find them.
Don’t leave medicines or cosmetics in your purse or within a child’s reach.
Prevent poisonings in teens, and avoid the lethal combination of alcohol, firearms, toxic substances, and medications by simply locking all cabinets.
Stay positively involved in your child’s or teen’s emotional life so that signs like depression and anxiety can be recognized and treated appropriately.

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