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Prevention Tips

Proper Storage   

• Keep products in their original containers. Don't put chemicals in containers that are used for eating or drinking.

• Never store food with cleaning products, pesticides or medicines.                                                                                                              
• Use child locks on cabinets (in the garage and basement, too).

• Put poisons(toxic products, cleaning supplies, pesticides, medicine) in a locked cabinet - out of your child's sight and reach.

    Properly and quickly dispose of products from do-it-yourself projects including paint removers, gasoline and antifreeze.

• Put poisons away after using them. If you are using a household product when the phone/door rings, take the product with you.

                                                      

• Don't leave your child alone in a room with cleaning products, personal care products, medicine or other chemicals/products.

   

                                                                                                             

 

Medicines

• Keep medicines out of the medicine cabinet. Put them in a locked box and place box on a high shelf.

• Ask for and use medicines/household products with child resistant caps.

• Always read the label before giving medicine or using chemicals. Check with other caregivers to avoid double doses and always measure the dose - don't guess.

• Never call medicine or vitamins candy.

• Never take medicine in front of children. They like to imitate.

• Keep all purses and diaper bags out your child's reach.  They may contain medicine or other items that could harm a child.

                                                           

                                                                 

Plants

• Know the names of all the plants in your house and yard. Keep indoor plants out of reach of children, and watch children playing outdoors safely.

• Keep the Poison Control Center phone number on or near your telephone

 

   Carbon Monoxide

• Install carbon monoxide detectors with audible alarms - install one near the sleeping area. For added protection install a second at least 15 feet from a furnace.

• Have a professional check all venting systems annually for proper safety.

• Have your combustion appliances (stoves, heaters) checked.

• Never leave a car running in an enclosed area such as the garage.                                                                                                          

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The Oklahoma Poison Control Center web site is provided free of charge to the public as an informational and educational tool. This web site is NOT intended as a substitute for a consultation with the Oklahoma Poison Control Center. The center is a statewide program operated by The University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in cooperation with Children´s Hospital at the OU Medical Center. Our pharmacists and nurses are specially trained poison experts available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"We note that poison control centers are health care providers for purposes of this rule. We consider the counseling and follow-up consultation provided by poison control centers with individual providers regarding patient outcomes to be treatment. Therefore, poison control centers and other health care providers can share protected health information about the treatment of an individual without a business associate contract."
   -Federal Register Vol.65, No. 250: p. 82611 (pdf)