The American Association of Poison Control Centers declared that the 2016 National Poison Prevention Week begins today, March 20-26. The Poison Prevention Week Council reports, “more than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 57 poison control centers across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.”

Mrs. Rogers Kindergarten class learned about keeping themselves safe during March Poison Prevention Month. Children looked at pictures of various items to never touch, taste or smell, including household cleaners, laundry pods, paint, gasoline containers and wild mushrooms.

Each child was then given two pictures – one of a medicine and one of a candy. The items looked identical and the children learned how dangerous it can be to mistake medicine for candy. Since most poisonings occur in the home, the children were provided with 911 and poison hotline safety stickers.

1-800-222-1222
American Association of Poison Control Centers
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Website: www.aapcc.org

Ellen Ammirato, RN
School Nurse