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.

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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.
KITCHEN GARAGE
•dish washing detergent
•liquid dish soap
•scouring soap
•window cleaner
•oven cleaner
•medicines
•vitamins
•furniture polish
•drain cleaner/opener
•ammonia
•gasoline
•kerosene
•car wax/soaps
•weed killers/pesticides
•paint
•windshield washer fluid
•antifreeze

LAUNDRY ROOM
•laundry detergent
•bleach
•fabric softener
•dye

CLOSET/STORAGE SPACES
•rat/ant poisons
•moth balls & sprays

MISCELLANEOUS
•alcoholic beverages
•flaking paint
•broken plaster

BATHROOM
•cosmetic products
•shampoo
•medications
•cleansers
•lotions
•perfume

PURSE
•medicines/pain killers
•cosmetics

What you should do if someone is poisoned
First and formost, remain calm.
Then locate and telephone a Poison Prevention Center as soon as possible.
For the call, have ready:
•the age of the patient
•your name and telephone number
•the name of the product and the ingredients
•amount of the poison involved
•the time the poisoning occured
•any symptoms present in the victim
If you are instructed to go the the hospital or another emergency facility, always bring the original container of the suspected substance with you!

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Types of poisoning incidents & possible responses
•Poison on the skin
Remove all contaminated clothing and flood the skin with water for 10 minutes. Then, wash the affected area gently with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.

•Poison in the eye
Flood the eye with lukewarm (not hot) water poured from a large glass 2 to 3 inches from the eye. Repeat for 15 minutes. Have the patient blink as much as possible while flooding the eye. Do not force the eyelid open.

•Poison by inhalation
Immediately get the person to fresh air. Avoid breathing fumes. Open all doors and windows wide. If victim is not breathing, then start artificial respiration.

•Poison by swallowing
Medicine: Do not give anything by mouth until calling for advice.
Chemical or Household Products: Unless the patient is unconscious, having convulsions, or cannot swallow -- give milk or water immediately. Then call for professional advice about whether you should make the patient vomit or not.

Always keep on hand at home a one ounce bottle of syrup of ipecac for each child in the home. Use only on advice of a poison control center, emergency department, or physicians.
Remember, stay calm, and seek professional help as soon as possible.