If you have children then learning how to keep them safe from over the counter and prescription drugs at home is a must.
Where do you keep your over the counter medications such a aspirin or cough drops? What about prescriptions medications? Chances are these are kept in a bathroom well within reach of a child's curious hands. A lot of people tend to be more concerned about their prescription drugs and keep them at a safe distance while not really thinking too much about over the counter drugs. The thing is it really does not matter because both can cause grave illness or even death.
If you have young children at home I seriously recommend putting all of your drugs whether they are over the counter or prescriptions in a safe place that is high up where a child will not be able to reach even if they were to attempt climbing up a counter to reach them. If you can you may even want to think about placing these items in a locked cabinet. Remember also that not only is medication for adults a hazard but medications for children are just as hazardous.
Children are often drawn to medications because they are colorful and may look like something sweet. Never mind that children are just curious to begin with. Lots of medications look like pieces of candy. Make sure to teach your child about the dangers of medications. Place yucky stickers on them so they can learn how to identify what products can be harmful to them. Of course not all children will understand this so it is important not only to educate them about these dangers but to avoid placing your child in danger by making sue all medications are in a safe place where your child will not be able to access them.
Another thing you need to be aware of is if you have company coming over your guest need to be aware that medications need to be kept away from your child. Grandparents may come for a visit and not think about their prescriptions that they have in their pockets or purses. This can be an accident just waiting to happen. You also need to be aware of potential dangers outside of the home. You may have done everything you can to child-proof you own home but going to somebody else's home does not guarantee the same level of safety. Make sure you are able to keep a close on your child at all times. Feel free to discuss the issue with the person whom you will be visiting. They may want to put things away and out of reach for your little one. Most people just do not give it a whole lot of thought especially if they are not use to having young children around.
If your child has gotten into some kind of medication you will need to take action immediately. Whenever in doubt call 911 for emergencies. If you can make sure to let the operator know how much your child has ingested and what type of medication they took. Also make sure to have the number for your local poison control center nearby. Educating yourself can mean the difference between the life and death of your child.
