Kitchen Poison Safety

Food, drinks and household cleaners are found in kitchens across the country – yet surprisingly Home Safety Council research shows that over half of families keep cleaners and chemicals in unlocked places. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reports than 92 percent of all poison exposures occur in the home every year. To help reduce the risk to your family, adopt the following safety guidelines to handle and store poisons at home:

	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.
	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 household products that can be poisonous are cleaners, fuels (such as gasoline), chemicals, lawn and garden products (such as fertilizer) and medicines.
	Keep all dangerous products in containers they came in, with the labels on.
	Store dangerous products away from food and beverages.
	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.