According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, over 90% occur in homes across America. Thankfully, our specialists at the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center (NMPDIC) safely manage 82% of poisoning cases at home.
Poisonings still happen in even the safest havens. You can rest knowing that the NMPDIC is committed to keeping families safe. Follow the tips below to help protect your family and friends.
Always be prepared!
Poisonings happen at any time or place. Be sure to save 1-800-222-1222 in your cell phone contacts. Order telephone stickers and refrigerator magnets with the poison hotline number. Place these items on your home phone, refrigerator or some place where they are easy to find.
Store Potential Poisons Safely
Store all of the following items out of sight and reach of children and pets:
Household cleaners
Chemicals
Medications including vitamins and herbal supplements
Personal care products, especially eye drops and eye contact solutions
Detergents, especially laundry and dishwashing pods
Air fresheners, especially scented oils
Mothballs
Nicotine products, especially e-cigarette liquids and parts
Alcohols (beverages and rubbing), especially hard liquor, hand sanitizers and mouthwash
Plants, bulbs and seeds
Batteries, especially button batteries and any device that may contain them
Purses and diaper bags
Store all chemicals, cleaners and medicines in their original containers with the labels intact.
Store harmful products away from foods and drinks to avoid confusion.
Use Potential Poisons Safely
Never leave a child alone when using a poisonous product.
Never mix cleaners together to avoid breathing in toxic fumes.
Make sure areas are well ventilated when cleaning.
Read all labels carefully and follow instructions.
Where protective equipment when needed, such as eye goggles, gloves and breathing masks.
More Action Steps
Teach children to "Stop and Ask First" before they touch, taste, or smell anything that is unfamiliar.
Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers.
Install carbon monoxidedetectors near bedrooms and on each floor of your home.
Change detector batteries twice a year, for example during spring and fall daylight saving times.
Safely dispose old and unused medicines and hazardous waste.
Homes built before 1975 likely contain lead paint. Vacuum and dust regularly. Avoid buying old baby cribs and furniture. Repair chipped paint so children cannot eat the chips.
Call 1-800-222-1222 right away if you suspect a poisoning; never wait for symptoms to appear.
Call 911 if a person collapses, is not breathing, or is having seizures.
Share all this information with family, friends, caregivers and babysitters.
