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Poison Safety

poison control hotline:

1-800-222-1222

Home Safety

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  • More than 90% of poison exposures happen in the home. Knowing how to protect your children from poison-related accidents is imperative and can save their lives

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Step 2: Practice Safe Storage Habits

  • The following items should be stored up, away, and out of sight of children, and in their original containers.

  • Keep these substances in cabinets secured with child-resistant locks.  Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a 100-percent child-proof lock or container.

  • These items are:

    • All medicines and pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements

    • Tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially liquid nicotine

    • Alcohol

    • Laundry and cleaning supplies

    • Pesticides and insect repellents

    • Button batteries, such as those found in musical greeting cards, key fobs, etc.

    • Any type of oil or lubricant, including fragrance oils, tiki torch oils, engine oil, etc.

    • Personal care products, especially contact lens disinfectants and hand sanitizers

    • Other chemicals

Step 3: Read and Follow Labels and Directions

  • Make a habit of reviewing the label on any potentially hazardous substance or product prior to use, especially before administering medicines.

  • Take care to follow usage directions, as well as instructions for safe storage and disposal.

  • Call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have any questions about the directions

Step 1: Make a Plan

  • Be prepared for a poison emergency by having a plan ready and in place BEFORE something happens

  • Save the Poison Control number onto your phone and display it visibly somewhere in your house

    • 1-800-222-1222; or text POISON to 797979

    • All calls are free, confidential and professionals are available 24/7 all year long​

Poison Control
1-800-222-1222

Step 4: Detect Invisible Threats

  • To protect your family, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

  • Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can lead to severe illness and even death.

  • Most carbon monoxide exposures occur during the winter months or during power outages.

Food Poisoning Safety

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Step 1: Prepare Food Safely to Avoid Food Poisoning

  • Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by ingesting contaminated food.

  • The most common causes of food poisoning are infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or their toxins.

    • These infectious organisms, or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production.

    • Contamination can also occur at home, if food is incorrectly handled or cooked.

  • The CDC estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. 

  • The most common symptoms of food poisoning include:

    • upset stomach

    • abdominal cramps

    • nausea and vomiting

    • diarrhea

    • fever

    • dehydration

  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and may differ depending on the causative agent. Severe cases of food poisoning can cause long-term health problems or death.

  • If you have any questions about safe food preparation, or if you or someone you know suspects food poisoning, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222

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Step 2: Food Safety Tips for Preparing Meals

    • PREPARE:  

      • Keep raw meats, eggs, and poultry separate from other foods in grocery bags, on the counter, and during preparation.

    • COOK: 

      • Use a food thermometer to check if meat is fully cooked and reached the internal temperature required to kill harmful bacteria. Once cooked, keep hot food hot and cold food cold.

    • STORE: 

      • Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Consume or freeze within 3-4 days.

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Step 3: Reminders for Mushroom Foraging

  • Poisonous mushrooms often resemble mushrooms that are safe to eat

  • Cooking mushrooms will not remove or inactivate toxins

  • Do not ingest any wild mushrooms unless you are 100% sure that they are safe to eat

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Remember if you have any questions about safe food preparation or if you or someone you know suspects food poisoning, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to speak to an expert at your local poison control center. You can also get help via the online tool: PoisonHelp.org​​

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If you believe your child has ingested any poison or are unsure about if they have taken anything, call the Poison Control Hotline immediately! It never hurts to be safe!

1-800-222-1222

For more information, explore the American Association of Poison Control's website by clicking here -> https://aapcc.org/
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