(WBNG) – The Upstate New York Poison Center is reminding parents, caregivers and educators to include poison prevention on their back-to-school checklist.
The center said rushed mornings and new routines at the start of the school year can make it easy to double-dose on medication or leave a harmful product within reach. It said planning ahead can help prevent poisonings at home and in the classroom.
“As families settle into the new school year, it is a good time to review everyday routines and make sure medicines and other potentially harmful products are stored safely,” said Mary Beth Dreyer, health education and program manager at the Upstate New York Poison Center. “If a poisoning happens or you are unsure whether something could be harmful, call us. We are here to help families and schools figure out what to do next.”
New poison prevention training available
The Upstate New York Poison Center is offering a free online Poison Prevention Training this year for teachers, families and others who care for children. The self-paced training takes about 16 minutes to complete and covers preventing poisonings, recognizing potential hazards and knowing when to call the Poison Center.
The training is also available to caregivers, grandparents, camp counselors, childcare providers and health care professionals. It can be completed at upstate.edu/poison/community/train.php.
Medication planning
The center recommends communicating with everyone who gives a child medication to avoid missed or duplicate doses. It advises tracking when each dose is given and coordinating with the school nurse about medications needed during the school day. Each district has different medication-dispensing guidelines, according to the center. Children should be reminded never to share medications or take someone else’s medicine. The center recommends storing medications up, away and out of sight and reach, preferably locked up high.
Classroom cleaning products
The center advises keeping cleaners and disinfectants in their original containers, away from children and separate from food. It recommends following label instructions and never mixing cleaning products.
Cannabis edibles
The center said cannabis edibles can resemble familiar candies and baked goods. It recommends storing cannabis products like medicine, in a locked, child-resistant container, out of children’s sight and reach, and separate from everyday foods. The center advises talking with children about checking with a trusted adult before eating or drinking anything unfamiliar.
Save the number
The center is urging people to save its number, 1-800-222-1222, in their phones. The Upstate New York Poison Center provides free, confidential help in a poisoning emergency or with a poisoning question 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The center said anyone who suspects an exposure or a medication error should call right away. If someone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be awakened, call 911.
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