The third week in March is Poison Prevention Week and is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of poisoning.
The Nebraska Regional Poison Center joins 54 other centers as they are “Here for the ages.” Poison Centers have been assisting callers for 60 years.
A poison is anything that can cause harm. Spokesperson Angie Pasho tells KLIN News, “Our goal is to raise awareness of all the risks of poisonings by medicine, household products, plants, pesticides, plants, bites, stings, food poisonings, fumes, gases, especially carbon monoxide.” She provides a few tips for prevention:
• Check your home and garage for personal care items, laundry detergent packets, cleaning supplies, plants, alcohol, pesticides, gasoline and medicine and keep them out of sight or locked up. Never put harmful chemicals in other containers such as water bottles.
• Never refer to medicine as “candy.” Put medicines including vitamins up and away after every use. Read all labels carefully on medicine and household products.
• Never mix household products together. Keep liquid nicotine and cigarettes out the reach of children. Be aware that many product labels look like candy or other liquids that can entice kids, keep these up out of reach or locked up safely.
The Nebraska Regional Poison Center has a toll free number, 1-800-222-1222. They can also be reached by texting the word “poison” to 797979. This will save in your mobile phone in case you need to make emergency contact.
The Poison Center also has educational material available on their website, nebraskapoison.com. You can also check out the video of Pinky, the poison proof elephant who explains to kids about the dangers of poisons in everyday settings. They also offer activity sheets, videos, poison proof tips, and education resources for teens and adults.