Most Poisoning can be Prevented |
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About 95 percent of all unintentional poisonings can be prevented.
Methods of prevention include modification of the environment, education and supervision for change of behaviors.
Modification of Environment
Educators should make a room-by-room inspection and evaluate the area for potential poisons in the environment. Removing all hazards and risks for exposure to poisons provides a protected environment. Poisons should be kept out of sight and reach of children, and in a locked cabinet.
Remember what good climbers children can be! Parents and teachers should always put their purses, diaper bags, backpacks, etc. out of reach of the children. Create a special place for parents to place their items when they are just there for a short period.
Remember what good climbers children can be! Parents and teachers should always put their purses, diaper bags, backpacks, etc. out of reach of the children. Create a special place for parents to place their items when they are just there for a short period.
Supervision
Remember that no area is 100 percent safe. Good safety practices and supervision help prevent accidents involving poisoning. Adult supervision is the number one method of preventing poisonings among small children. Discourage children from mouthing paint brushes, crayons or other objects and materials. Never call medicine “candy.”
EducationTeach poison prevention to children and staff. Teach children never to put anything other than clean food into their mouths.
Be preparedChildren act fast, and so do poisons. Even when people are very careful, poisoning exposures can occur. It is important to be prepared before something happens:
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