Each year, drug-related poisonings result in nearly 700,000 visits to hospital emergency departments and more than 35,000 deaths. Young people are the most likely to be poisoned, with children under age six accounting for half of all poison exposures.
But, poisonings are preventable. Providence and Safe Kids Snohomish County offer these tips:
Save the poison center’s phone number to your phone: 1-800-222-1222. You never know when you might need it. The poison center is a free service and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential and offer expert treatment advice and assistance from trained professionals.
Keep cleaners and other toxic products out of reach. Install child safety locks on cabinets and be sure to read labels to find out what can be hazardous to your kids.
Dangerous items can include:
- Makeup
- Personal care products
- Plants
- Pesticides
- Lead
- Art supplies
- Over-the-counter and prescription medicines
Always keep products in their original containers. Beware of laundry or dishwasher pods that are colorful and look like candy.
Keep medicines up and away. All medicines, including vitamins, should be stored out of reach and out of sight. Often, medicine – especially vitamins – can look like candy and be attractive to kids. Be aware of any medications stored in purses or bags and be especially cautious when visiting family and friends.
Keep kids safe from e-cigarettes. These products contain liquid nicotine, which can be dangerous to both adults and kids. The liquid is absorbed by inhalation, skin, eyes and if ingested can be fatal. The products are flavored and packaged colorfully – making them attractive to children. Parents should know that these products aren’t required to have child resistant packaging and an amount less than a teaspoon can cause harm.
Safe Kids Day with the Mariners
Join Safe Kids Washington and the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, April 26, for Safe Kids Day activities – including a free Mariners shirt for all kids 14 and younger. Come enjoy a ball game and learn more about poison prevention and how to keep your kids safe. Discounted tickets can be purchased online. Be sure to use the promo code SAFEKIDS.
For more information about poison prevention, visit the Providence Safe Kids page, Safe Kids Worldwide or the Washington Poison Center.
