Secure or remove chemicals, choking hazards, and cords

Beyond installing safety devices, actively remove or relocate specific items that cause poisoning, choking, strangulation, and drowning in young children.

Steps

1. Lock away chemicals and medicines: Store all cleaning supplies, detergents, pesticides, medications, vitamins, and cosmetics in locked cabinets or on high shelves completely out of reach and sight.
2. Eliminate choking hazards: Regularly sweep floors and low surfaces for coins, buttons, small toy parts, button batteries, magnets, and food items like whole grapes or nuts.
3. Manage cords and wires: Bundle electrical cords out of reach. Replace corded blinds with cordless window coverings.
4. Store plastic bags: Keep grocery bags, dry-cleaning bags, and garbage bags locked away or in a high, inaccessible location to prevent suffocation.
5. Supervise around water: Never leave a young child unattended near bathtubs, toilets, or buckets. Install toilet locks on all toilets.

Tips

• Button batteries are especially dangerous and can cause fatal injuries if swallowed; secure all battery compartments
• Post the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222 in the US) on your refrigerator