About 165 young kids — or roughly four school busloads of children — are seen every day in U.S. emergency rooms after getting into medications, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. It’s National Poison Control Week, and to help ensure your meds are kept away from little fingers, here are some tips on proper storage:
1. Always store medicines and vitamins in a locked location, out of the reach and sight of children.
2. Always put medicines and vitamins away after every use. Never leave them on the counter between dosings. Don’t be tempted to “keep them handy” in a purse, backpack or briefcase — or in an unlocked cabinet or a drawer within a child’s reach.
3. Buy child-resistant packages when available, and securely close them every time.
4. Remind houseguests to keep purses and bags that contain medicine up and away when they visit.
5. To help you remember to take your medications when they’re out of sight, send yourself an e-mail or set an alarm.
Program the poison control center number — 1-800-222-1222 — into your home and cell phones.
