Prevention Page

Literature Request Form
click on the above link to download the form and fax it to us for any requests for poison prevention literature.

What to do if a Poisoning occurs

Poison Prevention in the Home

Adult Poison Prevention

Prevent Plant Poisoning

Trash and Recycling

What to do if a Poisoning occurs
Act quickly and follow this procedure
1. If the person is not breathing or is unconscious
     call 911 immediately.
2. Otherwise, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
3. Remain calm.
4. The Poison Center specialist will ask:
     * your phone number in case they need to call you back
     * the age and weight of the patient
     * the name of the product involved
     * the amount or closest approximation of the amount involved
     * the time of exposure
     * the patient's symptoms
     * the general health of the patient
5. Carefully follow the instructions given by the Poison Center.
6. Most exposures can be handled over the phone.
    If an ambulance or transport to the hospital is required
    you will be told that by the Poison Center.

Syrup of Ipecac
For some poisonings, the Center or your health care provider will tell you to make the poisoned person vomit. Syrup of Ipecac is the only safe way to cause vomiting in poisoning emergencies.
Always contact the Center before using Syrup of Ipecac and, as with all potentially harmful substances, be sure to store Syrup of Ipecac out of the reach of children.

Parents, grandparents, and other care providers should keep a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac on hand for each child under 6 in the home.

Return to top of page

Poison Prevention in the Home
We all like to think of our homes as being safe places, but the fact is that there are many poisonous substances lurking in your home that can be very dangerous for children and adults too. Heeding these prevention tips is the best way to make sure your home remains "Home Safe Home."
* Never leave a child unattended, even for a second. |
    Children are naturally curious and very quick.
* Store all medications, household products and
    chemical products in a locked cabinet out of the reach and
    sight of children.
* Store food and household products in separate areas.
    Many dangerous household products come in containers
    that look like food and drink containers and can cause
    mistaken usage.
* Keep all household and chemical products in their original
    containers. Never store these products in a food container.
* Always store medications in their original containers with
    child-proof caps out of the sight and reach of children.
* Never call medicine "candy". Medicines and candies look alike
    to a child and they cannot tell the difference.
* Do not take medications in front of children.
    Children like to imitate adults.
* Vitamins are medicines. Keep them locked up and out of reach.
    Vitamins with iron can be very dangerous to a child if taken
     incorrectly.
* Store purses, diaper bags and tote bags of visitors out
    of children's reach as they may contain medications or
    dangerous products.
* Know the names of plants in your yard and home.
    A nursery or cooperative extension can give you the
    information.
* Keep any poisonous plants away from children and pets.
* Teach children to always "ask first" before putting anything
     in their mouths.
* Keep a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac in your home but
    DO NOT USE IT unless instructed by your health care
    provider or the Poison Center.
* Keep the phone number of the Poison Center near your phone.
   1-800-222-1222.

Return to top of page

Adult Poison Prevention
TIPS FOR ADULTS
* Never mix cleaning products together
    (i.e., bleach and ammonia).
* Never store cleaning products in food containers.
* Keep cleaning products and food products stored separately.
* Take medications with the lights on.
* Wear your glasses when taking medications.
* Do not take someone else's medications.
* Store external medications separate from internal meds.
* Always check prescriptions to make sure the right pill was
    dispensed. If you are unsure, ASK.
* Watch for duplicate drugs with different names:
     Example: Ibuprofen vs. Motrin vs. Advil.
* Watch for drug interactions–prescription/over-the-
    counter/herbals (alternatives).
* Carry a list at all times of medications you currently take,
    why you take it and the dose you take.
* Make sure that anyone with a cognitive impairment
    (like Alzheimer's disease) has a caregiver to help with
    their medications.
* Use a memory device to avoid taking duplicate doses
* Know what chemicals you use at work and follow safety
    precautions

Memory Tricks for Medications
* Check off box for medications
* Medicine Box
* Medicine Journal
Post the Poison Control Center telephone number near your telephone: 1-800-222-1222.

Return to top of page

Prevent Plant Poisoning
* Know what plants are poisonous.
* Identify the plants in your home, garden
    and neighborhood. Take clippings to a plant
    specialist for identification and write down
    their names. Keep the list handy. Know if
    they are poisonous.
* Consult a plant specialist or call the Poison
    Center for suggestions about plants to avoid and plants to give
    as gifts.
* Buy plastic versions of the more poisonous plants,
    but remember that these are still choking hazards.
* Avoid smoke from burning plants.
* Do not make teas or home remedies from plants.
    Strengths of teas vary and it is easy to mistake a poisonous
    plant for one that is not poisonous.
    Many poisons are not destroyed by cooking.
* Teach children by example not to eat wild plants
    and mushrooms.
* Teach children not to touch decorative plants or put any
    plant (or plant part) in their mouths.
* Put plants, seeds and bulbs up high where curious hands
    can not reach them.
* Plants eaten by birds and other animals may be poisonous
    to humans.

If a Poisoning Happens
1. Remove any plant materials from the mouth and teeth.
2. Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse the area
     with warm running water if there is a skin irritation.
3. Call the Finger Lakes Regional Poison and Drug Information
     Center to determine if treatment is required.
4. Keep a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac in the house for each child
     under six years of age. Syrup of Ipecac is the only safe way to
     cause vomiting in poisoning emergencies.
     Always call the Center before using it.
     Syrup of Ipecac is available at most drug stores without a
     prescription.

Return to top of page

Trash and Recycling
Children can make dangerous "toys" out of recyclables.
Before you put it in the trash or recycling bin:
* Use every bit you can from the container.
* Rinse the container with water or wash it well with soap or
    detergent, or in a dishwasher. Avoid cuts by using a long-
    handled brush to clean sharp cans.
* DO NOT remove labels from containers.
    In case of poisoning, substance identification is necessary.
* When in doubt, ask yourself: Is there anything here that can
    spoil? Is there anything here that might be poisonous? Is there
    anything here that could injure a curious child, a pet,
    or someone who sorts through your garbage?