25 Strategies to Avoid Poisoning in the Home

Poisoning tops the list as the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States, according to recent data. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to safeguard your home and prevent these incidents.

Here are practical strategies to enhance safety at home for everyone.

1. Keep medications and chemicals stored where children cannot reach them.

2. Install safety latches on cabinets that store medicine and cleaning products.

3. Avoid distractions; if interrupted while using a chemical or medicine, securely close it before attending to anything else.

4. Educate children to always consult an adult before consuming or handling anything unfamiliar.

5. Instruct babysitters and guests to place bags containing medications out of children's reach.

6. Explain to children the purpose of medicine and emphasize the importance of receiving it from an adult only.

7. Avoid calling medicine "candy" to persuade children to take it.

8. After administering medicine to a sick child, immediately store it away safely.

9. Ensure the proper dosage by turning on lights and wearing glasses when taking or giving medicine.

10. Inform your doctor about all medications you're using to avoid harmful interactions, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins.

11. Maintain safety caps on prescriptions and refrain from storing them in non-childproof containers.

12. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if dosing instructions for any medicine are unclear.

13. Keep laundry and cleaning products in their original packaging as they may contain vital safety details.

14. Immediately secure lids on laundry and cleaning products after using them.

15. Teach children not to handle laundry and cleaning product containers as they are not toys.

16. Keep children, pets, and toys away from areas being treated with pesticides, whether inside or outside.

17. Avoid storing food where cleaning supplies are kept.

18. Do not mix household chemicals as some combinations can release deadly gases.

19. Set up carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

20. Identify your houseplants and remove any that are poisonous.

21. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and long sleeves, when using pesticides to prevent skin exposure.

22. Rinse and seal laundry containers before disposing of them.

23. Never use food containers to store chemical substances.

24. Ensure rooms are well-ventilated when using cleaning agents and chemicals by turning on fans and opening windows.

25. Regularly organize and clean out your medicine cabinet, disposing of expired medications.

By taking these proactive steps and applying common sense, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning in your home. If you ever suspect poisoning, immediately contact the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.