Safe storage is critical! Protecting your family – especially children and youth – from accidental ingestion of drugs and medicine is important. By ensuring proper storage of substances, you can prevent your loved ones from serious illness or even death.

Easy access to drugs and medicines poses a risk for young ones at home. This is true of over-the-counter, legally prescribed, and illegal substances. Opioids can be especially dangerous, too.

Remember, prevention is critical in keeping your whole family safe. Follow these safe storage tips:

  • Always store products in their original containers. Most medication packaging has child-resistant lids, which makes them hard for kids to open.
  • Store drugs and medicines out of reach and out of sight of kids. If possible, keep substances in cabinets that can be locked or child-proofed with latches. If locks are not readily available, ensure they are placed inside cabinets and drawers and not in the open. Be sure to put substances away after using them.
  • Talk with your children. Engage your children in conversations about what medication is and that they should only take medicine when it’s given to them by an adult.
  • Ask others to help keep your home safe. When babysitters, extended family, and friends come over, ask that they keep medicine safely stored in their bags or outside the home.
  • If an accident happens, get help IMMEDIATELY. Call Poison Control if you suspect a poisoning. You’ll get free, expert help that is available 24/7/365. The number is 1-800-222-1222. The service is free and confidential.

Together, we can keep our kids safe!

Additional Resources: 

Call Poison Control if you suspect a poisoning.
You’ll get free, expert help. The number is 1-800-222-1222.