In Your Home

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 anywhere and at anytime. Be sure to save 1-800-222-1222 in your contacts on your cell phone. 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, 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 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

Detect Carbon Monoxide Gas

Carbon monoxide gas is dangerous because humans cannot see, taste or smell it. Unsafe levels can make a person very sick and even cause death.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. 
• Change detector batteries twice a year, for example on spring and fall daylight savings
• Never run your car up in the garage even if the door is open
• Never use a generator indoors or in a crawl space, even if doors or windows are open
• Know the sound of alarm on your detector; if the alarm sounds get out of the house immediately and get to fresh air; call 1-800-222-1222.

More Action Steps

• Teach children to never eat any part of a plant, berries and outdoor mushrooms
• Never leave a child alone when using a poisonous product
• Teach young children to ask a trusted adult first before putting anything into their mouths
• Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers
• If you or someone else gets poisoned, call 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you are not sure; 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
• 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.