We are all settling into our school routine now and the craziness of the morning rush. As the chaos and hustle occur, safety mistakes are more likely to happen as parents’ attention is divided.
As cold and flu season approach and daily activities get even more demanding, it’s important to ensure you house is protected from poisoning dangers.
Tips to Avoid Common Medicine Mix Ups at Home
- Read and follow the medicine label every time to make sure you are giving the right medicine, the right amount, at the right time.
- Measure carefully and remember to always use the dosing device that comes with the medicine.
- Teach children that they should only take medicine from a trusted grown-up.
- Write clear instructions for other people who give your child medicine. Communicate with other caregivers to prevent double-dosing errors.
- Always lock the child safety cap completely. Put all medicines up, away and out of sight after every use.
- Program the Poison Help number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222 and remember you can call with questions.
Medicine Usage at School
If your child needs medications during school hours, make sure that you are familiar with the school’s medication policy. Most districts require all medications to be distributed by the school nurse or authorized personnel.
- Ask your pharmacist to divide your child’s medication into two bottles, each with its own label so that one can be kept at home and one can be kept at the school.
- All medication should be transported to the school by an adult. Do not send medication in your child’s backpack or lunchbox. Giving your child control of the medication puts them and other children at risk.
And let’s not forget lunch time. Back to school not only means back to the books, but back to packing lunches. There are safety considerations needed for this chore as well.
Lunch Time Safety Reminders
- Wash hands thoroughly before & after handling food. Remind kiddos to wash their hands before eating. Tip: Pack disposable wipes for washing hands before and after eating!
- Remember the 2-hour rule – you must keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Meat, poultry, dairy, eggs and other perishables only last two hours at the room temperature. Make sure to pack it with at least two cold sources. Tip: Frozen juice boxes, water or yogurt pouches can be used as freezer packs. Freeze these items overnight and use as the freezer pack. By lunchtime, the liquids should be thawed and ready to enjoy.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables
- Pack foods in an insulated box or bag rather than a paper bag
- After lunch throw out all left-over foods. Do not reuse packaging because it could contaminate other food.
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Poisonings can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Make sure you are prepared for any poison emergency by having poison control at your fingertips! Save the Poison Help contact in your phone today, 1-800-222-1222.
