Know the Facts: In 2001, approximately 100 children
died from poisoning, almost half of whom were under the age of four. More than
1.2 million unintentional poisonings were reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers
in 2002.
Safety Basics
Children should be taught never to accept medicine from anyone except a trusted
adult and to tell a grown-up if they find medicine or any poisonous substance.
Post the nationwide Poison Control Center phone number, 1-800-222-1222, near
all phones. Children should know who to call if they think someone has eaten poison,
and there is no adult available.
Keep household cleaning products and medicines (including vitamins) in their
original container locked up and out of children's sight and reach.
Install laboratory-listed carbon
monoxide (CO) alarms inside your home to
provide early warning of accumulating CO.
Have furnaces, water heaters and other fuel-burning appliances inspected and
cleaned, if necessary, yearly by a professional.
Have your home tested for lead paint. Children can be poisoned by ingesting
dust from lead paint.
Parents, looking for ways to teach your kids about these important messages
- visit the Parents' Page!
Data Sources: National SAFE KIDS Campaign®
