Poison prevention steps not as common as you might think

Poison Prevention Week is March 16-22

It was 1962 when the first National Poison Prevention Week was declared by Presidential Proclamation.
This year, poison prevention is more complicated than it was 46 years ago.
We have many more cleaning products, pesticides and lawn and garden products, virtually all of which are poisonous. Any product on which the label includes the words “warning,” “caution,” “danger” or “poison” should be stored securely.
That’s especially true if children live in your home or come to visit, but adults can make mistakes with dangerous products too.
About half of the 2 million poisonings reported each year are for children younger than six years old. They like to taste things and put pills into their mouths. Experts generally recommend locked storage for harmful chemicals, especially when children are around.
Sounds easy, but a Home Safety Council study shows that 80 percent of homes with small kids don’t do it.
Another safety factor in preventing poisoning is pill safety.
If you or someone you are caring for takes multiple medications, be sure pills are organized properly to prevent incorrect dosing. Check with the pharmacy for a 7-day pill holder that can accommodate morning, noon, and night medications.
Prescription bottles look pretty much alike, so always read the label before taking the medication or loading it into a pill holder. The Home Safety Council shows that one in 10 caregivers of an elderly person reported having a poisoning incident at some time.
Keep handy the Poison Control Center telephone number, 1-800-222-1222.
It works from anywhere in the U.S. and can connect you to one of 61 centers nationwide. The centers give information on immediate steps to take if a poisoning is suspected.