For adults and children alike, common household supplies can be dangerous when ingested, inhaled or in contact with skin or eyes. Additionally, over-the-counter and prescription drugs can have adverse effects if not taken with caution. We offer you the following tips to keep you and your family safe.
Household Medicines:
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Always follow the directions on the medicine label when you are giving or taking medication. Correct dosage is important.
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Medicine should be kept in locked cabinets, out of the sight and reach of children.
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Check with your doctor before taking multiple over-the-counter or prescription medications.
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Never share prescribed medication with anyone for whom the medication is not prescribed, as dosage and other drug safety concerns vary from person to person.
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Periodically clean out your medicine cabinets. Check expiration dates on over-the-counter and prescription drugs and discard those that have expired.
Household Chemicals:
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Always read the label before using a product that may be poisonous or hazardous.
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Keep chemicals in their original containers, read instructions and warnings before use.
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Never mix household chemicals as this could release toxic gases.
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Make sure the room you are cleaning or working in is well-ventilated.
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Keep chemicals in locked cabinets, away from children and pets.
If Poisoning Occurs:
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Remain calm.
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Call 911 or the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
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Have the following information available:
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The victim’s age and weight.
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The container or bottle of the poison.
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The time of exposure.
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The address where the poisoning occurred.
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Stay on the phone and follow the directions given by the operator.
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With many pills, it may take several hours or longer for symptoms to develop. Do not wait. Call the poison control center immediately.
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Anyone exposed to a toxic gas should be removed from the source and placed in fresh air.
For more information on poison prevention...
American Association of Poison Control Centers: www.aapcc.org
Poison Prevention Week Council: www.poisonprevention.org