Poison Proof Your Home

three images including parent reading medicine label, child safety lock on cabinet, and parent measuring cough medicine for sick child

If you think someone has been poisoned:

  • Stay calm
  • Immediately call the Poison Control Center for help: 1-800-222-1222.
    • Be prepared to share:
    • The condition, age, and weight of the patient
    • Information from the product label that caused the poisoning
    • The time the poisoning occurred
    • Your name and telephone number
  • Follow the instructions of the poison control center

A poison is any substance that can cause harmful effects in the body. Millions of people are unintentionally poisoned every year, and children under the age of six are at the greatest risk. Keep all poisons including medications, cosmetics, household cleaners and chemicals, plants and other poisonous substances out of the reach of children. Never consume products that are not labeled as safe for drinking or eating like borax, bleach, or laundry detergent pods.

Keep Your Child Safe from Poisoning at Home

  • Teach children not to touch or eat anything they do not recognize.
  • Never refer to medicine as "candy".
  • Avoid taking medications in front of children as they often copy adult behavior.
  • Make sure children and teens are not using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons.

Use Medications and Products Safely

  • Read all labels and follow directions before using a product or medication.
  • Always keep medication out of the reach of young children and do not leave it on countertops, in purses and briefcases, or anywhere else where children can easily reach them.
  • Return medications to locked cabinets or in cabinets secured with safety latches when finished using them.
  • Always use child-resistant packaging. Be aware that children can and do open these containers.
  • Give medications only as prescribed or directed and never give prescription medication to anyone other than the person for whom the medication is prescribed.
  • Read instructions before administering cold and cough medication for children. Do not exceed recommended doses.
  • Dispose of medications safely. Do not flush unwanted household medications or pour them down the drain.

Store Poisonous Substances Properly

  • Keep poisonous substances out of reach from children.
  • Store all potentially poisonous substances in their original containers. All poisonous substances must be labeled.
  • Store household cleaning products away from food.

Common Household Poisons

  • Household cleaners and disinfectants like bleach, borax, or laundry detergent pods
  • Pesticides

Common Household Items that Could be Poisonous

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Plants
  • Any prescription and over the counter medicine
  • Vitamins
  • Cosmetics and personal care products
  • Arts and crafts and office supplies