Poison Proofing your Home
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Poison proofing means making your home a safe place for your child. A poison is any substance that causes an injury, illness, or death. Poisons may be swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Take steps to prevent your child from coming in contact with poisons in or around your home. Keep a list of numbers for the poison control center, healthcare providers, and the nearest hospital in case of an emergency. These should be posted in a place that can be seen easily.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has chest pain or shortness of breath.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child has tremors or muscle twitching.
- Your child loses consciousness.
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child has severe abdominal pain.
- Your child is drooling or vomiting.
- You know or think someone has been poisoned.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child is more tired than usual and has a poor appetite.
- Your child has a hard time learning.
- Your child suddenly becomes agitated, restless, or does not sleep well.
- Your child has a rash or burning, itching, or tingling skin.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
If you think your child has been poisoned:
Move your child to a safe place away from the poison and do the following:
- Seek care immediately or call 911 if your child has fainted or is not breathing. Rinse your child's eyes or skin for 15 to 20 minutes if your child is awake and alert. Make your child spit out anything that is still in his or her mouth. Keep the container so you can tell poison control or show the healthcare provider. Do not try to make your child vomit until you contact a poison control expert.
- Call the poison control center. The number is (800) 222-1222 . Call even if you are not sure your child has been poisoned. They can tell you whether to seek treatment and what changes to watch for in your child.
Prevent poisoning from medicines:
Child-resistant containers are not childproof. Your child may still be able to open these containers.
- Keep medicines in their original child-resistant containers or blister packs.
- Keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Store and lock up medicines. Keep children out of purses and backpacks.
- Check the dosage each time you give your child medicine. Turn on the light so you can read the label.
- Do not take medicine in front of children. Do not refer to medicine as candy.
- Clean out your medicine cabinet regularly. Ask how to safely dispose of medicine you do not use or that is expired.
- Remind visitors to keep their medicines safely secured when your child is present.
Prevent poisoning from household chemicals:
- Label harmful chemicals. Read the label and directions before you use these items.
- Leave harmful chemicals in their original containers.
- Keep harmful substances where children cannot get to them. Use childproof locks on cabinets where these items are stored.
- Keep children away from chemicals that give off fumes when you use them. Use these chemicals in a place that is well ventilated and away from heat sources.
- Do not store large amounts of chemicals or cleaning products.
Clean up spilled poisons safely:
- Remove and replace items that contain heavy metals, such as mercury and lead.
- Contact your local public health department for more information on how to clean and dispose of poisons properly.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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