The home is where children spend most of their time. It is also a place where chemicals are stored for home and garden use. It is certainly better to examine the potential for poisoning than to worry about it later.

First, there are many products that are packaged with bright labels attractive to children. That's like an invitation to consume what is inside. It is therefore crucial to identify the locations of household chemicals and locate them in safe, out-of-reach locations.

For example, there are cleaning fluids and caustic drain cleaners under the kitchen sink. Pharmaceuticals, bowl cleaner and disinfectant, deodorizers in the bathroom. There may be pesticide, petroleum products in the garage or basement.

Drawers and cabinets are full of toxic substances that can harm the curious explorer. Some items can be reviewed and disposed of unless absolutely needed. That is one way to cut the risk.  Other items of concern can be placed on shelves in a garage or basement, where little arms cannot reach them. An exterior bolt lock can be placed on a closet storage. More importantly, there are a variety of child-safe locks which can be easily installed on cabinet doors and drawers that are easy targets for the curious.

In addition, be familiar with the labeling of protentially harmful chemicals. In the event of accidental poisoning, these labels may contain antidote information for medical  treatment.