 PoisonSmarts - Rocky Mountain Poison Center's prevention tips
March 2010 - Each year over one million poisonings involving small children are reported to U.S. Poison Centers. About fifty percent of all poison exposures involve children ages five and under. Fortunately, most of these exposures result in no or minor effects.
What can parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children do?
Click "Read more" below to find out!
Action Steps to decrease medicine related poisonings include:
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Discard unused prescription medicines. DO NOT FLUSH OR DISPOSE OF MEDICATIONS DOWN THE SINK. Call RMPC at 1-800-222-1222 for directions.
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Learn the signs and symptoms of medicine abuse and watch for them.
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Consult your physician for advice if you suspect medicine abuse in a family member.
Poison Prevention Home Checklist
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Kitchen
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No household products under the sink |
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No medicines on the countertops |
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All cleaners out of reach |
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No medicines on the window sill |
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 Bathroom
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Medicine chest cleaned monthly |
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Old medicines thrown out safely |
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All medicines in containers with safety caps |
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Always read the label |
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Always turn on a light when taking medicine at night |
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Never call medicine “candy” for children |
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Bedroom |
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No medicines left within reach on dresser, chest, or bedside table |
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All perfumes and cosmetics are out of reach |
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No flaking paint chips on crib, playpen or window sills |
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Laundry 
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Soaps and detergents up high |
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All cleaners in locked cabinets |
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Furniture and metal polish out of reach |
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Drain cleaners are in safety closure containers and locked up |
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Garage 
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Bug spray and weed killers up high |
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No gasoline left in a pop bottle or cup |
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Turpentine and paint thinner are in original containers - up high |
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Paint cans sealed
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You can call 1-800-222-1222 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the U.S. to reach your nearest poison center!
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