On average there are more than eight million cases of poisoning each year in the United States. Ocala (FL) Fire Rescue points out that the majority of poisoning incidents are preventable.
Poisoning can occur in persons of any age, however statistically more than half of all cases involve children. Teach children at an early age to respect poisons, including cleaning products, medication, beauty products and house and yard plants. “Most citizens are amazed to learn the average home contains three hundred hazardous items,” states Ocala Battalion Chief Lisa Gray.
Remind your community members to perform a thorough check today of their homes especially if they have children, grandchildren, or young folks who visit their home. Remember that children ages two to five may be climbers and reach high places adults would normally consider safe such as kitchen shelves and medicine cabinets.
Here are a few tips to offer to your community to make members safe:
- Store chemicals in original, labeled containers. Never use discarded food or beverage containers for hazardous products.
- Always read the label before you use any cleaner. Some household products like bleach and ammonia can create poison gas when mixed.
- Lock all medications up high in a cabinet. Store all medications and vitamins in their original containers. This helps in identification.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect a poisoning has occurred.
More info on poisoning: “Everyday Hazmat: The Inappropriate Mixing of Household Chemicals.”
