They include:
Keep all medicines, cleaning products and other chemicals out of sight of youngsters and preferably locked up.
When using these products, never let children out of sight. Take a child along if you have to answer the doorbell or telephone.
Store medicines separately from household products and chemical products - away from food.
Keep items in their original containers.
Leave product labels on and read the directions before use.
Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicines and read the labels carefully.
Since children imitate adults, avoid taking prescriptions in front of them.
Never refer to medicine as "candy."
Periodically clean the medicine cabinet, throwing away expired or unused prescriptions. Pour the contents down the drain or toilet. Rinse the container after discarding.
Close child-resistant packaging properly to prevent any access.
Never mix medicine and alcohol.
Never "borrow" a medication prescribed for someone else.
Place plants out of the reach of young children.
Post the Idaho Poison Control Center number, 1-800-860-0620, by each household phone.
Keep a bottle of fresh syrup of Ipecac on hand. This will induce vomiting, but only should be used if a doctor of the Poison Control Center advises it. Some things aren't poisonous; others cause more damage if vomiting is induced.
Think ahead about what to do if a child gets into a poison. There are several steps to take.
1) Remain calm.
2) For household chemicals, follow the first-aid instructions on the label. Then call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-860-0620.
3) For medicines, call the Idaho Poison Control Center immediately. Have the child with you, as well as the container of medicine or poison on hand. The center will ask you questions, and you'll be able to tell them what the child is doing and read information from the container's label.
4) Follow the advice of the Poison Control Center.
Children can get very sick from common household items such as pesticides, prescriptions, cosmetics and plants.
Take the time to inventory your household for risks.