National Poison Prevention Week was established by Congress in 1961 with the aim of creating awareness and lowering the number of unintentional poisonings. The first National Poison Prevention Week was observed in March 1962 under the presidency of John F. Kennedy.

Over 2 million potential poisonings are reported in the U.S every year, with over 90% of these occurring in the home and the majority of them being young children. Every day over 300 children require treatment in an emergency department, with an average of two deaths per day being recorded. Most of these incidents revolve around highly toxic household items such as cleaning products and medicine.

To help raise awareness and keep your children safe and secure, here are ten helpful household poison prevention tips from Security Specialists:

1. Always Be Prepared. Keep the National Poison Control Center number, (800) 222-1222, in your cell phone contacts. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Never place poisonous products in food or drink containers.
3. Store medicine, cleaning, and laundry products, (including detergent packets) paints/varnishes and pesticides in their original packaging in locked cabinets or containers, out of sight and reach of children.
4. It’s best to use traditional liquid or powder laundry detergents instead of detergent packets until all children who live in or visit your home are at least 6 years old.
5. Keep all potentially dangerous products in cabinet doors that are secured with safety latches that automatically lock when you close a cabinet door. 
6. Purchase and keep all medicines in containers with safety caps. 
7. Discard unused medication. 
8. Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure proper dosage. For liquid medicines​, use the dosing device that came with the medicine. Never use a kitchen spoon. 
9. If you use an e-cigarette, keep the liquid nicotine refills locked up out of children’s reach and only buy refills that use child-resistant packaging. A small amount of liquid nicotine spilled on the skin or swallowed can be fatal to a child. 
10. Know the names of all the plants in your home and yard. If you have young children or pets, consider removing those that are poisonous.

We at Security Specialists Want You and Your Family to Stay Safe and Secure in Your Home!