Gathering for holidays and other events is part of the traditions we hold dear. But, something important to remember is that whenever children are present, there are poison risks to keep in mind and to take action to prevent. In the U.S. each year over 35,000 children under age five visit the hospital Emergency Department because of unintentional medication overdoses.1 In Utah and the United States, pain medicine is the number one poisoning.2 Learning about the ways kids access potential poisons and taking a few simple steps to keep children safe could prevent a happy gathering from turning into a poison emergency.
Not everyone has poison prevention on their mind, especially if they don’t often have kids around. Medicine left out, within reach, and not in the original containers are a poison risk. Out-of-town guests often bring bags and suitcases that may have unsecured medicine in them. And even those just visiting for a few hours, may have medicine in their bags, purses and coat pockets. Medicine and candy often look alike and young children are attracted to them. Follow these tips to keep you and others safe from poisoning.
Tips for guests
- If you have children, don’t be afraid to ask where medication is kept and be sure they are safely stored up and away during your visit.
- If you bring medicine into a home where children are present, keep it in the original container and ask for a secure place to store it during your visit.
- Be aware of other potential poisons you bring in your purse, suitcases or bags such as hand sanitizer, perfume, eye drops, e-cigarettes, and mouthwash. Keep these up and out of reach of kids.
Tips for hosts
- Provide a secure place for guests to put their bags, coats, purses and suitcases where children cannot get them.
- Be aware that older children, teens, and even adults may look in medicine cabinets for opioids or other medicines they are seeking. Lock these up before guests arrive.
- Use child-resistant closures/safety caps on medicine. The added time it takes to open these may prevent a poisoning from happening. However, child-resistant does NOT mean child-proof.
- Store harmful products such as cleaners up and out of reach of kids. Children may explore your home so check each room and the garage for poison dangers.
If the unexpected happens
When things go wrong, the Utah Poison Control Center is here for you 24/7, even on holidays. Experts in poison information will answer your call and help you know what to do next. It’s always free and confidential to talk with one of our caring pharmacists. Save the Poison Help number in your phone so you have it wherever you go. 1-800-222-1222.