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April 9, 2001

Legislator Becker Offers Poison Prevention Tips

Each year nationally more than 1 million calls are made to poison control centers due to unintentional poisonings from medicines and household chemicals. The three most important safety messages to prevent poisonings are: 1) Use child-resistant packaging because it saves lives; 2) Keep medicines and household chemicals locked up and out of reach and sight of young children; and, 3) Keep the poison control center number next to your telephone and call immediately if a poisoning occurs.

"Unfortunately sometimes curious young children gain access to household chemicals and/or medicines which can endanger their lives," said County Legislator Francis X. Becker (R-Lynbrook). "I am pleased to provide some basic poison prevention tips that every person should check."

Use child resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after use.
Keep all chemicals and medicines locked up and out of sight.
Call the poison control center immediately in case of poisoning (542-2323). Keep on hand a bottle of "syrup of ipecac" but use it only if the poison center instructs you to induce vomiting.
When products are in use, never let young children out of your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the phone or doorbell.
Keep items in original containers.
Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before using.
Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where children can reach them.
Always leave a light on when giving or taking medicine. Check the dosage every time.
Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as "medicine", not "candy".
Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of unneeded and outdated medicines.

The phone number for the regional poison control center is 542-2323.