Poison Prevention

National Poison Prevention Week was created to raise awareness, reduce unintentional poisonings, and promote poison prevention. The annual awareness week begins the third full week of March.

Poison prevention is just as it sounds – preventing others from becoming poisoned accidentally. Whether it’s bacteria from unwashed vegetables, cleaning solutions that aren’t safe to use around babies and pets, medicines that might look like candy to kids, and on.

 

 

Poisoning is to be taken seriously – if you or somebody you are with swallows, splashes, or gets stung by something harmful, you are urged to contact Poison Control – either online (click here) or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. The person you speak with there will be a registered nurse or pharmacist, and will be able to quickly assess your situation and advise you on your next steps.

Here is a list of information to have on hand when you call Poison Control:

• Substance (product name and strength if it is a medication)
• Amount
• Age
• Weight
• Time since exposure
• Zip code
• Email

Your zip code is needed in order to enlist your local poison center if more help or more direct help is needed. The zip code simply tells them where you are. Your email address is used for follow-up.

Final thoughts

It only takes a split second for something tragic to happen – a child grabbing mother’s arm while she’s pouring detergent into the washer, or one mistaking a prescription medication for candy, or accidentally spilling a strong cleaner on yourself while doing work around the house. Whatever the cause, pick up the phone and call Poison Control right away. Poison prevention  happens when you think and plan ahead. Be safe out there!

 

 

To learn more about A.R.M. and the services we provide, please click here.