Poison Prevention Week PSA 2024 (2)
National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) 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 with the nation’s fifty-four other poison centers celebrating Poison Prevention Week. Poison
Centers want you to know; we’re here for you 24/7.
Remember to add the NPC’s toll-free number 1-800-222-1222 to your phone. Please consider ordering
free public education materials by visiting the website www.nebraskapoison.com or by calling the
poison center. 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.
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, alcohol, 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 a child. 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 and cigarettes 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 or locked up safely.
Since 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. The Poison Center is
available for everyone, we’re here for you 24/7.
When you call 1-800-222-1222, you will talk immediately to
a Registered Nurse or Pharmacist 24/7/365.
