As we experience the cold weather of the winter days, that means more time spent indoors. As we spend more time indoors, that means closer proximity to cleaning supplies and medications, which can be a danger for poisoning.
Nationally, poisoning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 to 19. Locally, Dayton Children’s saw 279 patients due to unintentional ingestions in 2019.
Now is a good time to make sure these items are stored up, away and out of the sight of curious kids. Here are some tips to keep all kids safe from unintentional poisoning:
- Store household products safely to prevent poisoning. Young kids are often eye-level with items under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, so make sure household cleaning products and personal care products are stored up and away, out of children’s reach and sight. This includes any cleaning products in everyday use.
- Keep all household cleaning products in their original containers. Also, when buying products, look for child-resistant containers to help prevent unintentional poisonings.
- Read and follow product labels. Check for ingredients that can be toxic to kids and make sure you use and store products according to the label.
- Kids can get into things quickly, so remember not to leave cleaning products or personal care products unattended while you are using them. Remind older kids to put all cleaning products away when they are done with chores.
- Medications should be stored, up away and out of sight, even medications taken every day. Check bags, purses, bedside tables and other places young children are able to reach for medications that may have been left out after use.
Do a clean sweep for any poisonous products at least once a day, especially since routines have changed. If an unintentional poisoning does occur, make sure you save the Poison Help number in your phone and post it visibly at home: 800-222-1222. Specialists at poison control centers provide free, confidential and expert medical advice 24 hours a day.