Take Steps To Prevent Poisonings In Your Home During National Poison Prevention Week

Monroe County, Fla.—During the 56th National Poison Prevention Week, celebrated March 19-25 this year, the Florida Department of Health in Monroe is sharing tips to ensure the safety of homes and communities and help prevent poisonings. In 2016, nearly 38,000 poison exposure calls reported in Florida were regarding children age 5 and under. Poisonings are completely preventable and it is every adult’s responsibility to keep children safe from harmful exposure to medications and chemicals around the home.

Florida’s Poison Control Centers handled 146,664 incoming calls during 2016. Poisonings can happen quickly and it is important to know how to prevent poisoning and what to do in case you or your children consume a potentially dangerous product. Always keep the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 visibly posted in your home or classroom in case of an emergency.

The Florida Poison Information Center Network recommends the following tips for poison prevention.

  • Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers;
  • Keep all medicines, cleaning supplies and chemicals out of site and reach of children;
  • Try to purchase products with child-proof packaging when available;
  • Keep products in their original packaging, do not store them in food containers;
  • Always read product labels and follow directions exactly; and
  • Do not call medicine “candy” when giving it to children.

Household hazardous waste is collected at various locations in the Florida Keys:

Where When Type
Key West: Indigenous Park, 1801 White St. First Saturday of each month from 8am to noon Household chemicals and electronics; Free for Key West residents, no business material accepted
Cudjoe Key Transfer Station, Mile Marker 21.5, Blimp Rd. HHW: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 10am to 2pm

E-Waste: Monday – Saturday, 8am to 4pm

 Household hazardous waste, e-waste, gasoline, and CFL lightbulbs; Free to residents. Call (305) 745-4307
Marathon: 10500 Aviation Blvd. HHW and E-Waste on: May 20th, Sept 30th, and Jan 27th, 2018 from 9am to 1pm Household hazardous waste, e-waste, gasoline, and CFL lightbulbs; Free to residents. Call (305) 745-4307
Long Key Transfer Station, Mile Marker 68, 68521 Overseas Hwy. HHW: 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, 10am to 2pm

E-Waste: Monday- Saturday, 8am-4pm

 Household hazardous waste, e-waste, gasoline, and CFL lightbulbs; Free to residents. Call (305) 745-4307
Key Largo: Atlantic Ave & Homestead Ave behind Walgreens HHW and E-Waste: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, 10am to 2pm Household hazardous waste, e-waste, gasoline, and CFL lightbulbs; Free to residents. Call (305) 745-4307
Key Largo Transfer Station: Card Sound Road, CR 905 HHW: Call (305) 745-4307

E-Waste: Monday-Saturday, 8am to 4pm

 Household hazardous waste, e-waste, gasoline, and CFL lightbulbs; Free to residents. Call (305) 745-4307

The Poison Help Line is free, confidential and multilingual and automatically directs the caller to the poison control center covering their geographic area.

Download the poison patrol checklist to help identify and safely store household poisons to keep your family safe and healthy.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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