Forecast: Safer Homes

Nancy Bock, M.Ed.
Chair, Poison Prevention Week Council

Weather is an important part of our life. Each day we hear, read or watch weather forecasts to get ready for our daily activities. These forecasts prevent us from being caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella or in a snowstorm without a warm coat and gloves. Weather forecasting and poison prevention are similar. We can forecast safer homes if we continue to help the public avoid potentially dangerous poisonings.

Great strides have been made in educating the public about the dangers of accidental poisonings in the home; however, education must remain a priority to reach each new generation of parents and other childcare providers. More than 2 million exposures to potential poisons were documented in the latest Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ Toxic Exposure Surveillance System. More than 92% of these human exposures occurred in the home. These numbers demonstrate the need to continue our educational efforts.

Looking forward, our forecast for the third week in March shows a good chance for plenty of activity in poison prevention, thanks to many dedicated organizations serving on the National Poison Prevention Week Council, including the Home Safety Council. Across the country, many other Council members and supporting organizations like our Poison Control Centers will join forces for the 45th year in a row to observe National Poison Prevention Week, March 19-25.

The activities that will take place during the observance this year will showcase the winning entry of the Council’s poster contest, submitted by 11 year-old Mariel Sikes from Nebraska. This outstanding piece of art depicts a bowling alley and carries a message to Strike Out the Poisons for Children’s Safety. The poster’s simple message can help us save many people from serious injury or even death and avoid unnecessary, more costly medical care. More information about the poster can be found at www.poisonprevention.org .

We ask for your help during National Poison Prevention Week, to help educate and re-educate the public about the ways to ensure that future forecasts contain safer homes.

• 1. Call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
• 2. Always read the label before using any product. Never mix household cleaning products.
• 3. Make sure that all prod¬ucts like household cleaners, medicines, cos¬metics, pesticides and liquid fuel have child resistant closures, and be sure to close all containers securely after use.
• 4. Keep such products out of reach of young children — preferably locked up and stored in high places.
• 5. Keep all household chemicals and cleaners in their original packages. Packaging includes useful first aide information in the event of accidental expo¬sure or ingestion. Do not store cleaners in cups, soda bottles, cans or bowls, which children associate with eating and drinking.
• 6. Do not allow your attention to be diverted when using potentially dangerous products, appliances or tools in your home.
• 7. Clean up all spills immediately.

Nancy Bock, M.Ed.
Chair, Poison Prevention Week Council
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Vice President, Education
The Soap and Detergent Association
1500 K. Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
202-662-2507