Emergency Services / Homeland Security

Children and Poisoning

The most common home chemical emergencies involve small children eating medicines.

Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest taking hazardous materials out of sightcould eliminate up to 75% of all poisoning of small children.

• Keep all medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products, and other household chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children.
• If your child should eat or drink a non-food substance, find any containers immediately and take them to the phone.
• Call the Poison Control Center, or Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or 9-1-1 if you have it in your area, or call the operator giving this information.
• Follow their instructions carefully.
• Often the first aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. Do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals.