Prevent Accidental Poisonings at Home

Each year, more than two million people, many under the age of five, swallow or come into contact with a poisonous substance. More than 90% of these occurrences happen in the home. Many common household items, such as cleaning supplies and medicines, can be poisonous if used incorrectly or by the wrong person.

The San José Fire Department strongly encourages you to work with your loved ones to learn the risks associated with such hazards and take preventive actions to stop a poisoning from happening in your home.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Add the poison control help line into your phone (1-800-222-1222).
• Secure medicines and household products. Place hazardous items up high and out of sight in a cabinet where a child cannot reach them.
• Put medicines and household products away every time you use them.
• Secure items that contain small batteries.
• Maintain working carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.
• Keep medicines in their original packaging.
• Read the label before taking or giving medicine. Every medicine has specific instructions for safe use that should always be followed.
• Never share your prescription drugs.