Make poison prevention part of your spring cleaning plan

Spring cleaning is an annual ritual that heralds the arrival of sunnier days and warmer weather. As you clean and organize your home, keep poison prevention top of mind.

The Wisconsin Poison Center answers more than 60,000 calls regarding potentially hazardous substances and situations each year. Although accidental poisonings affect all age groups, children under the age of 6 are at greatest risk. The most common substances involved in poisoning this age group include: personal care products and cosmetics, household cleaners, over-the-counter medications and multivitamins, plants and pesticides.

Following is a room-by-room review of common household hazards. In the kitchen, make sure all household cleaning products are stored up high out of childrenÕs reach. Install child safety devices on all cabinets as an added measure of protection. Medicines should be kept in their original containers with the labels intact. Child-resistant caps help, but parents should not depend solely on these, as many children are able to open them. Do not store any medicines on the kitchen windowsill or countertop where an inquisitive child can see or reach them.

In the bathroom, safely throw out all old medicines by tying them tightly in a non see-through bag and taking them straight out to the trash. In bedrooms, look for any flaking paint on furniture, walls and windowsills. Make sure all perfumes and cosmetics are stored out of reach. In the laundry room, store soaps, cleaning detergents and other products in high, locked cabinets.

While parents may go to great lengths to keep their children safe from harmful products inside the home, it is easy to forget what is outside. Outdoor poison exposures increase in warmer months. Children are outside more often and are at greater risk of coming in contact with pesticides, toxic plants and insects. This makes it especially important to consider outside hazards. Gasoline should be stored only in an approved, marked container. Turpentine and paint thinner also should be stored in original containers up high and out of reach. Pesticides, antifreeze, lighter fluid, rodent bait and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of children's reach, in a locked cabinet or garden shed.

Diligence is key to poison prevention in the home. Also, remember to alert others to these potential hazards, especially caregivers and grandparents. If you suspect your child has come in contact with a poisonous substance, call the Wisconsin Poison Center immediately at (800) 222-1222.