Poison Prevention for All

Did you know that 9 out of 10 poison accidents occur in the home? Follow these tips to help prevent accidental poisonings.

General Safety

• Read and follow all medicine and product labels.
• Keep all medicine, cleaning products and chemicals out of reach and out of sight of children.
• Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers used for medicine, household products, cleaners and other potential poisons.
• Buy products with child-resistant packaging, when possible, but remember nothing is child-proof. Once purchased, use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after each use.
• Teach children to ask an adult before tasting anything.
• Keep purses, diaper bags, work and travel bags up and out of reach of small children.
• Be aware of where button batteries are within your home. Places can include remote controls, key fobs and watches. Keep away from children.
• Find out the names of the plants in your house and yard. Keep houseplants out of reach of small children and pets.
• Save the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone and post it in your home.

For Kids

Children under age 6 are most at risk for poisoning because they are very curious and put all sorts of things in their mouths.

For Teens

Youth begin to self-medicate around 11 years old. Unfortunately, when not equipped with the knowledge and information to make safe choices, they may end up doing more harm than good.

For Older Adults

Medicines can help us live longer and healthier lives, but taking them in the wrong way or wrong amount can be dangerous. See important medicine safety tips for older adults.

For Pets

Pets can be poisoned by common household products, plants and foods. If you are concerned about a potential poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately.

For Caretakers and Babysitters

As a babysitter or caretaker for a child, you need to know what poisons are and how to keep children away from them.

Suicide Prevention

Poisoning is the 3rd most common method of suicide, after gun use and suffocation. Every day, The University of Kansas Hospital Poison Control Center receives calls about people who havetried to harm themselves with poison.