March 16th-22nd is National Poison Prevention Week.

Adults should always try to keep poisons out of reach of young children, but accidents do happen. According to the Poison Prevention Week Council, “More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 57 poison control centers across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old.” Poison Prevention Week is designed to raise awareness of possible sources of poison and to prevent accidental poisonings. The Poison Prevention Week Council provides informational tips (pdf) and steps that can help you prevent poisoning.

It’s important to share this preventive information with anyone who supervises children (grandparents, neighbors, etc.), as we are reminded that adult drug prescriptions are strongly associated with pediatric poisonings. Child resistant bottle caps, latched drawers, and locked cabinets are the best ways to prevent accidental poisoning with prescriptions and chemicals.

What should you do if your child comes in contact with poison? Well, the answer is simple. Don’t wait! Contact the toll-free, 24/7, nationwide Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. This number will connect you to your local poison center. If the person is not breathing, immediately call 9-1-1. When talking to the poison expert remember to use the emergency checklist to guide yourself through the process.

Remember:

• Don’t panic! Not all contact with poison is poisoning.
• Call 1-800-222-1222. Don’t wait for signs of poisoning.
• Follow the advice the Poison Help line gives you.

Visit the Poison Help website to learn more about poison prevention and activities you can do during Poison Prevention Week.