Poison Prevention For Caretakers & Babysitters

• Keep children in sight. Children act fast, but so do poisons!
• Make sure medicines and cleaning products are locked up, out of children's reach. Ask for a safe place (closet or cabinet) where you can store your backpack, purse or other personal items. Items such as cosmetics, medicine and art supplies that may be in your belongings should be kept away from children.
• Safety latches on drawers or cabinets and child-resistant caps on bottles help keep poisons out of the hands of children. But remember, they are not “childproof” and do not take the place of your careful and constant supervision.
• Remember the before, while and after rule:
  • Before using a cleaning product, read the instructions on the bottle.
  • While using a cleaning product, never leave it alone. A child may find it.
  • After using a product, put it back in a locked cabinet. Make sure the container is closed tightly.
• If you are asked to give medicine to a child, follow the directions. After using the medicine, return the bottle to a safe storage place right away. Never leave a child alone with medicine.

Before you are left in charge of a child, make sure the parent(s) write down:

• The family doctor's name and telephone number.
• How to reach them in an emergency.
• Each child's age and weight.
• Any allergies or medical conditions.