Dear Editor:
With the New Year approaching, many of us are making resolutions. The New Jersey Poison Information and Education Systems (NJPIES) offers the following tips to add to your list:
Check to be sure you have the emergency numbers of the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222), Police, Fire, Ambulance and Doctors’ near your phone. Be sure all the numbers are accurate.
Check the dates on all of your medications. Safely discard all outdated medications.
Read and follow label directions on all products before using them.
Be sure you have a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac safely stored for possible use.
Store all drugs and chemicals in the container in which you buy them, and keep them out of reach of children.
Be aware that medications and cosmetics left in purses or on nightstands can poison children and pets. Safely store all medications even when visiting someone’s home.
Never mix cleaning products.
For immediate treatment advice, as well as for prevention information, call 1-800-222-1222, trained medical professionals will provide you with the most up-to-date emergency treatment advice and will answer any drug or poison information question you may have.
The NJ Poison Control Center