POISON PREVENTION WEEK 2025
National Poison Prevention Week is the third full week in March and is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of poisoning. The Nebraska Poison Center (NPC) joins the nation’s fifty-three other poison centers celebrating National Poison Prevention Week. Poison Centers want you to know; When Poison Happens, We’re for you!
Poison is anything that can harm you if used in the wrong way, by the wrong person or in the wrong amount. The dose makes the poison. Here are tips for poison prevention:
- Secure your home and garages; items like laundry detergent packets, cleaning supplies, plants, pesticides, gasoline, and medication can pose problems to children and pets when unsecured. Keep them locked up or out of sight. Be sure to keep chemicals and medications in their original containers.
- Referring to medicine as “candy” can be confusing and dangerous for children. This can put them at risk for thinking that any medication is candy, especially gummy vitamins, and may entice them to seek out medicine bottles. Place medications, including vitamins, up and away after every use. Use cabinet locks and lock boxes when possible. Read all labels before use.
- Mixing household chemicals such as cleaning products and bleach has the potential to make toxic gases and can be deadly. Read all labels before use.
- Keep liquid nicotine, cigarettes, cannabis products, and alcohol out of the reach of children. Be aware that many product labels look like candy or other liquids that can entice kids, keep these up out of reach and locked up safely.
Remember to add the NPC’s toll-free number 1-800-222-1222 to your phone. Visit www.nebraskapoison.com and order your FREE poison prevention materials. Check out the video of Pinky the poison proof elephant as he explains to kids about the danger of poisons in everyday settings. The Nebraska Poison Center offers activity sheets, primary age videos, poison proofing tips, as well as educational resources for teens and adults. Pinky coloring books are a free resource and a fun tool for educating young children about poison prevention.
Poisons are all around us and can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time of life; our goal is to protect each other by incorporating safe poison prevention measures, because when the unexpected happens, we’re here for you.
When you call 1-800-222-1222, you will immediately speak to a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or Pharmacist 24/7/365.
