We want to remind everyone that Poison Prevention Week is March 18-24.  Did you know most people who die from poisons are adults?  Poisoning can occur when an individual uses medicines and products inappropriately, (i.e. incorrect dosage, sharing prescriptions, etc.). Below are some Poison Prevention Tips:

Store Poisons Safely:

• Lock medicines and household products up where stored and where children cannot see or reach them.
• Store poisons in their original containers.
• Store medicines in a different place than food.
• Use child-resistant packaging.  Remember nothing is child-proof!

Use Poisons Safely:

• Read labels.  Follow the directions on medicines and products.
• Are children around?  Take the product or medicine with you to answer the door or the phone.
• Lock products and medicines up after using them.
• Is it medicine?  Call it medicine, not candy.
• Children learn by imitation.  Take your medicines where children cannot watch.

Prevent Poisoning:

• Poisons can look like food or beverage.  For example window cleaner looks like blue Kool-Aid.  Teach children to ask an adult before eating or drinking anything.
• Have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
• Learn about products and drugs that young people use to get “high.”  Talk to your children about these dangers.

For more poison prevention tips call 1-800-222-1222 or go to www.1-800-222-1222.info