Kitchen Poison Safety

We think of the kitchen as a warm and happy place in our home. But it's also a room with hidden dangers. These include things that could be poisonous, especially for young children. Home Safety Council research shows that more than half of families keep cleaners and chemicals in unlocked places. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reports than 92 percent of all poisonings happen in the home every year. To help keep your family safe from poisons in the kitchen:

• Know the things in your home that are poisons.

• Look at the labels for the words “Caution”, “Warning”, or “Danger” on the box or bottle.

• Examples of home products that can be poisonous are cleaners, fuels (such as gasoline), chemicals, lawn and garden products (such as fertilizer) and medicines.

• Store dangerous products away from food and drinks.

• Keep all dangerous products in containers they came in, with the labels on.

• If you have young children, use products with child safety caps.

• In homes with young children, store dangerous products in a locked cabinet.

• Have a cover on the trash can.

• Know to call 1-800-222-1222 if someone takes poison.
• This number will connect you to emergency help in your area.

• Keep the number by every phone.