Household Poison Safety and Security Tips from Security Specialists

Well Spring is in the air and with it our desire to clean and freshen our homes. As we tackle windows, floors and countertops as part of the Spring-cleaning ritual, we often neglect what could be a source of disaster…. the dangerous poisons that we routinely keep in our kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, basements and garages.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 300 children are treated in the U.S. every day and two die as a result of poisoning. This is largely due to children ingesting personal care products, like cosmetics or household cleaning supplies. To keep your family safe, here are ten safety and security tips that can help you keep poisons out of the hands of your kids.

• Know What You’re Buying and What the Label Means. Before you buy any product for your home, read the label to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying. Also, be aware of what’s on product labels and what the terms mean.

As an example, did you know:

• “Caution” indicates the lowest level of potential harm
• “Warning” indicates a higher level of potential harm, meaning someone could be seriously ill or injured
• “Danger” indicates the highest level of potential harm: tissue damage to skin, blindness, death or damage to the mouth, throat or stomach if swallowed

• Keep Toxic Products Out Sight and Out of Reach. Make sure you keep toxic products in their original packaging and store them out of sight and out of reach of curious children.
• Keep all Chemicals, Household Cleaners, Medicines and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Use Extra Caution with Detergent Pods. They pose an especially large risk because infants and toddlers often confuse them with candy, toys and teething products because of their shape, color and texture.
• Keep Children Where You Can See Them at all times, even when you go to answer the door or telephone
• Never Leave Young Children Alone
• Do Not Leave Poisons on a Counter or in an unlocked cabinet
• Never Carry Something That Can be Poisonous, such as a medicine, in a purse where children may find it
• Safety Latches on Drawers or Cabinets, and Child Resistant Caps on bottles are helpful in keeping poisons out of the hands of children
• 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.

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