In observance of National Poison Prevention Week, March 14-20, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department is reminding residents to keep poisons out of the reach of children and to utilize the Poison Help hotline if a poison exposure occurs. Calling the hotline at 800 222-1222, should be the first step when you suspect someone has been exposed to a poison.

One call to the hotline can provide quick, reliable, and free assistance in dealing with possible poisonings at any time of the day or night. The hotline directs your call to the Poison Center nearest to you where specially trained nurses, pharmacists, and physicians can provide guidance for assisting someone exposed to a poison, and can identify situations that are too serious to handle at home. If deemed necessary, emergency medical attention may be recommended. All calls are confidential and free of charge.

“Young children have the highest risk of poisoning due to their natural curiosity,” says Carleena Angwin, Injury Prevention Coordinator at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. “By taking simple steps like keeping potential poisons out of reach and locking cabinets, parents can significantly reduce the risk of an accidental poisoning.”

Poisoning is the third leading cause of injury in Tennessee and nearly two-thirds of all poisonings involve children under six years old. In 2009, the Tennessee Poison Center received 6,085 calls from Hamilton County residents regarding accidental poisonings.

Because poisonings often happen while adults are distracted, the following strategies to reduce deaths and injuries from poisonings are recommended:

·Keep potential poisons in their original containers, locked up and out of reach of young children at all times.

·Store food and household cleaning products in separate areas. Many beverages and cleaning supplies have similar packaging.

·Installing safety latches on drawers and child-resistant packaging can help prevent a poisoning, but remember that child-resistant doesn’t mean childproof.

·Poisons can be found in places you may not expect – like your purse. Prescription medications, eye drops and lighters are examples of some poisons that children could get into. Keep purses away from small children.

·Call Poison Help hotline at 800 222-1222 to get immediate treatment advice for poison emergencies. Don’t wait for symptoms.