Being prepared for potential poisoning can mean the difference between life and death. Here are several ways you can reduce the risk of household poisoning:

1) Post your local poison control center number near your telephone. If you cannot find the number in the front of your telephone directory, get the information from your

doctor.

If someone in your home has swallowed poison call the poison control center immediately for first aid instructions. Be prepared to give the victim’s age (and weight if the victim is a child), the name of the poison, how much poison was swallowed and how long ago, whether or not the victim has vomited, and how long it will take you to get to the nearest hospital emergency department. Have the poison container in front of you when you call the poison control center and take it with you to the hospital emergency room. The poison center will give you precise instructions and you should follow them exactly.

2) Lock up all poisonous substances. Be aware of all the hazardous items in your household and make sure they are out of the reach of children and identified clearly for adults. Make sure that all cupboards containing poisons are secure. Try to keep handbags and briefcases that may contain medicines out of the reach of your children.

3) Always have a supply of syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal powder on hand. These are the two most reliable and effective substances to have in case of a poisoning. Either induces vomiting and both are available without a prescription at a drugstore. However, you should not use either until you have checked with the poison control center.

How To Treat Skin Poisoning

There are some household chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin— they include solvents, strong cleaning agents, insecticides, and weed killers. If any of these come into contact with your skin, you should immediately hold the affected area under luke-warm, running water for approximately 10 minutes. (If a poison has spilled onto your clothing, remove the clothing before you use water on the affected area.) Wash the affected area with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Once this is done, call your poison control center and follow their directions exactly.

Do not attempt to neutralize acids with alkalis, or alkalis with acids, or you risk dangerous chemical reactions and severe burns.

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