Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your kitchen and household products are "poison-proofed". Don't be afraid to get down on your hands and knees to get a child's perspective.
Identify all the potential poisons in your kitchen
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Dishwasher Powder
- Household Cleaners
There may also be Vitamins, Medicines, Alcohol, Flysprays, Pot plants, and possibly many others
Household Products
__ Remove household products from easily accessible places such as under the sink
__ Are they all in their original containers?
__ Do the containers have clear and legible labels detailing the name and ingredients
__ Do the containers have child-resistant closures that have been put back on correctly?
__ Are you familiar with the product use, personal protection & safety recommendations, storage directions and follow these every time you use the product?
__ Do you rinse & dispose of empty household product containers appropriately, including ensuring the trash can has a firmly attached lid
__ Put all household products out of reach and out of sight in a high, locked cupboard with a child safety latch. Remember to put away immediately after each & every use
Other Kitchen Hints
__ Ensure no toxic products are stored with food or in food containers
__ When spraying fly spray, ensure all food is covered and surfaces wiped down after
The Next Step
__ Have the National Poison Centre phone number 0800 Poison (764 766) next to every phone in your home
__ Learn what to expect when calling the poison centre: Calling the NPC
Follow these guidelines for any household products also found in other rooms - Household cleaners & products may also be found in the bathroom, laundry or garage
Identify anything else in the kitchen that is commonly found in other rooms and follow those appropriate guidelines too
Now that your Kitchen is poison-proof, now let's choose another room and move on:
Bathroom & Medicines
Laundry & Bleaches/cleaners
The Garden Shed & Chemicals
By checking off this list, you've made a great start to minimising the risk of poisoning in your kitchen - Don't be complacent though - Review this list on a regular basis, as situations can change quickly, when children are growing and learning so quickly. Always be poison-aware, especially when you visit other houses or visitors come to stay. Children act fast and so do poisons!