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POISON PREVENTION TIPS

Here are some helpful hints to help you poison proof where you live, work, or go to school.

• Install safety latches on all cupboards containing harmful products.

• Keep all products in their original container. (Not in pop bottles, cups, etc.)

• NEVER refer to medicines as candy.

• Clean out old medicines frequently and flush them down the drain.

• Rinse empty containers and dispose of them properly.

• NEVER give or take medications in the dark.

• Purchase products with child-resistant caps whenever possible.

• Store cleaning products out of reach and out os sight of children.

• Don't store medicines or cleaning agents near food.

• Keep 911, Poison Control Center, physician and hospital phone numbers readily available.

• Keep syrup of Ipecac on hand, call your local Poison Control Center, physician or hospital prior to use.

When poison proofing your home, it can be especially helpful to ask the children to point out the poisons. Use this list to get the ball rolling (This is NOT a complete list and should be used as a starting point)

Kitchen

• dish washing detergent

• liquid dish soap

• scouring soap

• window cleaner

• oven cleaner

• medicines

• vitamins

• furniture polish

• drain cleaner/opener

• ammonia

Garage

• gasoline

• kerosene

• car wax/soaps

• weed killers/pesticides

• paint

• windshield washer fluid

• antifreeze

• motor oil

Laundry Room Closet/Storage Spaces

• laundry detergent

• bleach

• fabric softener/dyes

 • rat/ant poison

 • moth balls & sprays

Miscellaneous Bathroom

• Alcoholic beverages

• Flaking paint

• Broken plaster

• Cleansers

• Lotions

• Perfumes

• medications

• cosmetic products

• shampoo

Purse

• Medicines/pain killers

• Cosmetics

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF SOMEONE IS POISONED

1) STAY CALM

2) Dial 911 and state your emergency - This will place Emergency Medical Personnel

in route immediately.

3) Telephone the nearest Poison Prevention Center as soon as possible.

Ohio Poison Center number is 1-800-222-1222 

For the call, have ready:

• the age of the patient

• your name and telephone number

• the name of the product and its ingredients

• amount of the poison involved

• the time the poisoning occurred

• any symptoms present in the victim

If you are instructed to go to the hospital or other emergency facility, ALWAYS bring the original container of the suspected substance with you!

TYPES OF POISONING INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

Poison on the skin

Remove all contaminated clothing and flood the skin with water for 10 minutes. Then, wash the affected area gently with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.

 Poison in the eye

 Flood the eye with lukewarm (not hot) water poured from a large glass 2 - 3 inches from the eye. Repeat for 15 minutes. Have the patient blink as much as possible while flooding the eye. Do not force the eyelid open.

 Poison by inhalation

 Immediately get the person fresh air. Avoid breathing fumes. Open all doors and windows wide. If victim is not breathing, then start artificial respiration.

 Poison by swallowing

 Medicine: Do not give anything by mouth until calling for advice.

Chemical or household products: Unless the patient is unconscious, having convulsions, or cannot swallow -- give milk or water immediately. Then call for professional advice about whether or not you should make the patient vomit or not. Always keep on hand at home a one ounce bottle of syrup of ipecac for each child in the home. Use only on the advice of a Poison Control Center, Emergency Department, or physicians.

REMEMBER, STAY CALM, AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.