“People can breathe poison, eat or drink it or get it on the skin or in the eyes. You probably know that antifreeze, bleach and bug spray are poisonous. But did you know that vitamins, perfume and make-up can be dangerous? Eating some plants can be toxic. Some spider bites can be dangerous. Taking medicine that is too old or not prescribed for you can make you sick. Also, mixing different kinds of medicine can be dangerous.

Follow this checklist prepared by Rocky Mountain Poison Center to make sure your home is safe

KITCHEN

• Remove products like detergent, drain cleaner and dish-washing liquid from under the sink.
• Remove medicines from counters, tables, refrigerator top or window sills.
• Put child safety latches on all drawers and cabinets that contain harmful products.
• Store harmful products away from food.

BATHROOM

• Regularly clean out your medicine chest. Flush old medicine down the toilet.
• Keep all medicine in original safety-top containers.
• Keep medicine, hair spray, powder, make-up, fingernail polish, hair-care products, mouthwash out of reach.

BEDROOM

• Don’t keep medicine in or on dresser or bedside table.
• Keep perfume, make-up, aftershave, and other products out of reach.

LAUNDRY AREAS

• Keep bleach, soap, fabric softener, starch, and other supplies out of reach.
• Keep all products in their original containers.

GARAGE/BASEMENT

• Keep bug spray, weed killers, gasoline, oil, paint and other supplies in locked area.
• Keep all products in their original containers.

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD

• Keep beer, wine and liquor out of reach.
• Keep ashtrays clean and out of reach.
• Keep plants out of reach.
• Keep paint in good repair.

Have a question? Want more information? Call the Rocky Mountain Poison Center at 800-332-3073. It’s free and you can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


Llame el Rocky Mountain Poison Center si hay una emergencia o algunas preguntas sobre seguridad de veneno. No hay costo y se peude llamar 24 horas por dia 7 dias por semana. 800-332-3073” (Rocky Mountain Poison Center brochure, ”Uh oh. Poison! Poison Safety Tips).


As Director of Options for Healthy Living, Estes Park’s Community Based-Wellness Program I hope that you address these hazards in your home and garage and create a safe environment for you and yours.

If you need assistance to create healthy changes in your life please contact me, Kay Rosenthal PhD, RN at 970-586-3472. Or email me at EPLTR@aol.com Subject: Options
Note: You can contact me via this web site as well.