Around the House

Banner Good Samaritan Poison and Drug Information Center
24-hour phone: 800-222-1222

Use this checklist to go through your home and make it safe!

Save the poison center number in your cell phone 1-800-222-1222.

Post poison center number near your home phone.

Use medicine safely:

• Buy medicines with child-guard caps if you have young children in the house. 
• Follow the directions when you take or give medicine. If you don't understand the directions ask your pharmascist or poison center for help.
• Use a dropper or medicine spoon, not a kitchen spoon.
• Remember to check who the medicine is for, how much should be taken, at what times of day and how often.
• Never keep prescription medication and cough and cold medicine in a place where teens can get to it.

Nothing dangerous should be within reach of small children:

• Keep poisons and medicines up high and locked away.
• Keep all purses up away from young hands.
• Cigarettes, alcohol and plants can be a danger.

Use home products safely:

• Keep all products in the bottle or package they came in with the label attached.
• Read and follow the directions for all cleaners and chemicals including bug spray and weed killer.
• Protect your skin and eyes if the label says to.
• Don't mix cleaners together.
• Open a window if products have a strong smell. Or use them outside.

The garage, basement and other storage buildings should be         checked for access to poisonous products:

• Chemicals that kills pests and weeds need to be stored and used as described on the label by the manufacturer.
• Never use food containers/water bottles to hold chemicals or gasoline.
• Be extra careful when using anti-freeze, windshield washer fluid,gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinner, bug sprays and super glues.

Check to be sure you have a CO(carbon monoxide) detector that is working:

• Do not use gas or wood cooking stoves or barbecues to heat the house.
• Have your gas furnaces and gas water heaters checked each year.
• Do not leave cars or trucks running while in the garage even if the garage door is open.
• Use barbecue and gas grills at least 10 feet away from the house and open windows.