Important tips for avoiding accidental poisoning

As parents the world over can confirm, the curiosity of children can lead them into plenty of unforeseen and potentially dangerous scenarios.

Accidental poisoning strikes where it is least expected, which is why far greater awareness is needed for everyone – not only the parents of small children.

Tips:
• Never store anything that is not meant for human consumption in packaging associated with food and drink. Be sure to keep cleaning products in their original packaging.

• Never suggest to a child that medicines are “sweets” or “cold drinks”.

• Whenever you travel, be aware of the possibility that unsuspecting inquisitive children either at your destination or when you arrive back home may be tempted to explore your luggage.
• Make a point of ensuring house guests are alerted to the need to secure their medicines, and any other potentially harmful items that they may be bringing into the home.
• If you have any reason to suspect accidental poisoning do not wait for symptoms to develop but rather seek medical care immediately.

• Store potentially poisonous or toxic items in cupboards with safety locks. This includes medicines, household chemicals, cleaning products, alcohol and gardening pesticides.

• Keep handbags, shopping bags and hand sanitiser safely out of reach.
• Make sure that visiting guests’ medicines are stored out of reach and sight of children.
• Be sure to dispose of unused medicines safely, preferably by handing them in to a pharmacy.
• Choose child-resistant medication packaging, wherever possible.

ALSO READ: Easy ways to poison proof your home

ALSO READ: Witfield tragedy: Preliminary findings indicate mom and children may have died of poisoning