Poison Safeguards for Kids

Locked Cupboards

• Safety locks keep potential poisons out of reach of curious little hands -- and mouths. Put child-proof locks on any cabinets that contain medications or household items and be fully diligent about always using the locks, even if you just the leave the room for a minute. Putting medications and other potential poisons up in cabinets over your child's head won't keep him out of them once he learns to climb -- which can be much sooner than you might imagine.

Child-Proof Containers

• Buy medications in child-proof containers and keep them in the containers they came in. Keeping medications in their original packaging is important for several reasons: It prevents mix-ups, such as giving a medication thinking that it's something else. Never store liquids such as bleach, paint thinners, antifreeze or gasoline in cups or bottles, even for a few minutes before you use them, or in open or easy-to-open containers. Warn elderly visitors about locking up their medications; 23 percent of medication poisonings in children under age 5 occurred when the child took the guest's medication, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Elderly people who live without small children or who have arthritic fingers often buy or store medications in containers that are not child-proof.

Careful Administration of Medication

• It's easy to make a mistake when administering medication, especially if you're in a hurry or stressed. Always double-check the label and the instructions for dosing. Draw up or measure medications only in a lighted room, so you can see exactly how much you're giving. Be especially careful when doling out common and similar medications, such as different categories of pain relievers; the dosage might be completely different from one to another. Try not to take medications in front of children and never refer to a medication as candy to get a child to take it.

Poison Awareness

• Many common household items, including cleaning products and personal care products, can poison a child if ingested. Liquid laundry packets in bright colors that look like candy or toys poisoned 500 children and adults in 2012, the Child Safety Protection Agency warns. Small button cell batteries used in remote control toys, musical cards, watches and hearing aids as well as magnets also pose a significant poison hazard to small children. Some plants can also poison children; know what plants you have on your property, especially if they contain enticing-looking berries.