Child poison prevention tips are crucial, especially when you consider that a child under the age of six experiences an accidental poisoning every 14 minutes. If we think like a toddler, it’s easy to see why—small children love to put things in their mouths, and many of these items look appealing. While attractive packaging is designed to entice consumers, it also draws children in, often leading them to taste something dangerous. Combine this with their desire to imitate Mom, Dad, or an older sibling, and the risk increases. Fortunately, making your home safer and preventing another statistic can be achieved in just one focused afternoon. One Source Healthcare is here to help make your life easier and safer. Print and use the list below of three easy steps to keep your family safe from the real risk of accidental poisoning.
Four quick first moves:
- When possible, install child safety locks on all cabinets.
- Always buy child safety containers.
- Remember Grandma’s house for dangers.
- Read labels for poisoning warnings.
Baby Step 1: Not always what you suspect
One of the most overlooked causes of child poisoning is cosmetics. Discard any that are expired. Unlike food and medications, expiration dates are not listed on cosmetics. Here’s a guideline on when to discard those outdated lipsticks, blushes and more. Take time to do a thorough cleanout and safety check on the below common areas where cosmetic items are stashed.
- Purses
- Makeup bags
- Vanities
- Cars
- Overnight bags
- Backpacks and bedrooms of older siblings and parents
- Bathroom cabinets
Baby Step 2: Keep Mr. Clean your friend
Cleaning supplies are next on the list for fatal poisonings. They smell great, often come in brightly colored liquids and many times are easy to open. Be vigilant. Follow the steps below to cross cleaning supplies off of your list of dangers.
- Put all cleaning supplies high and out of reach
- Inventory & rearrange areas where cleaning supplies are kept but not used as much:
- Sheds
- Garages
- Pool houses
- Work/hobby rooms
- Bathroom cabinets
- Cars (Armor All wipes, windshield wipes, trunk items)
Baby Step 3: Medications
Medication poisoning is a leading cause of child fatality. Over-the-counter (OTCs) items pose as much of a risk as prescription medicines. Like cosmetics, take time to throw away any outdated medications as a good first step. Then, scour these areas to keep your children safer.
- Medicine cabinets
- Kitchen cabinets
- Cars: cargo area and glovebox
- Backpacks of older siblings and parents
- Purses
- Wallets of Dad and older brother (think antacids or other small, individually packaged OTCs someone might need on-the-go)
- Makeup bags
- Sports and gym bags
- Wristlets/smaller handbags of Mom and older sister
- Overnight bags
- Bedroom nightstands of parents and older siblings
- Vanities of Mom and older sister
We all get busy. It’s easy to stash makeup, medicine and even cleaning wipes in odd places as we hurry about our hectic lives. Stepping outside your normal routine with this simple list in hand can be a quick way to have peace of mind in your homelife.
At OneSource Healthcare, we understand how vital it is to be seen by an urgent care physician when you aren’t well. That is why we offer low-cost, affordable urgent care for those occasional urgent care medical needs that simply cannot wait. Visit us online or give us a call today at 229-439- 1950 or 229-246-6417.