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March 14, 2014 kicks off the beginning of poison prevention week. National Poison Prevention week is the third week of March every year. It was created to ensure the safety of children and adults by bringing awareness of what can be dangerous in your home and how you ccan prevent accidents. According to poisonprevention.org, “More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 57 poison control centers across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.”
What Is A Poison?
A poison is something that can cause harm to a person if,
-Used in a wrong way
-Used by the wrong person
-Used in the wrong amount
What Are The Poisons In My Home?
-Medicines (Pain Medicine, tablets)
-Liquids (Household Cleaner, Bleach)
-Sprays (Spray Cleaners)
-Gases (Carbon Monoxide)
How To Poison Proof Your Home
-Medicines: Keep medicines in their original containers, properly labeled, and store them appropriately
-Carbon Monoxide: Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces.
-Household products: Keep products in their original containers. Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other chemicals or products. Also, keep all laundry products locked up, high, and out of the reach of children.
-Chemicals: Keep antifreeze and all chemicals and household products in their original containers.
For more information on how to poison proof your home, visit: http://www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/what-can-you-do/poison-proof-your-home/index.html#Medicines
What To Do If There Is An Emergency
The toll-free poison help number is 800-222-1222, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
How You Can Get Involved
If you are are interested in participating in a poison prevention event, contact your local poison control center by calling the nationwide toll-free number, 800-222-1222, and ask to speak with a poison prevention educator.
References:
http://www.poisonprevention.org/index.htm
http://www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/
Tagged: 2014, 800-222-1222, Bleach, Carbon Monoxide, March 14, March 18, Medicines, Minnesota State University Moorhead, MSUM, Poison Prevention, poisoning, School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, SNHL, Week
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