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Whether you realize it or not, your home is full of dangerous and potentially lethal toxic products. Those old cans of paint in the garage, those kitchen cleaners under the sink and those laundry detergents you use every day all contain chemicals that can harm a child. Those medicines you don’t use any more but are still lying around in cupboards and drawers, and those personal products you use without giving it a second thought can easily poison a child. Inquisitive children get into everything, so take a good look at all the products you have in your home and take action now to prevent unnecessary accidents.

Follow these tips to keep children safe from poisoning or injury from household products:

Store bleach and household cleaning products on a high shelf where children cannot reach them or, if possible, lock them in a strong cabinet in a room where children do not normally go. Do not let older children know where you keep the key.

Do not allow children into the garage unaccompanied and put all paints, cleaning products and sharp tools on high shelves where children cannot reach them. Even better, keep them in a locked cabinet that is out of children’s reach.

Make sure children cannot access personal products like nail polish and nail polish remover, perfume, cologne and hair products. These are familiar everyday products and we pay them little attention, but they are dangerous if splashed in the eyes or swallowed. Never leave dangerous household chemicals or personal products you are using unattended when children are around even for a short time.

Medicines and drugs:

Always make sure that drugs and medicinal remedies of all kinds, whether prescription or “over the counter,” are kept well out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked box or cabinet. Always administer medicines to your children yourself and put them back in the locked cabinet after each use. If you take prescription medicines on a regular basis, your small children will see you doing so and may copy what you do. Even simple remedies for colds and flu or indigestion can be very harmful to small children if taken in sufficient quantities.

NEVER refer to medicines as sweets or candy as a way of encouraging your children to swallow pills or other medicines. ALWAYS keep these potentially dangerous items and substances in their original containers. NEVER keep them in bottles usually used for normal drinks or containers normally used for food or candy.

If you visit friends or family with your children, keep an eye on them to make sure they are not exposed to these risks, especially if the people you are visiting do not have children of their own. If you do not have children of your own but your friends or family bring children to visit, make sure your home is safe for the children at least while they are there.

If you think your child may have swallowed or come into contact with a dangerous substance:

Read the label on the product that your child has come into contact with and follow the instructions.

Keep a copy of your doctor’s emergency telephone number and the telephone number of the nearest hospital somewhere that will be easy to find in an emergency.

If skin or eyes have been splashed with a toxic chemical, rinse the affected area with plain water for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

If a chemical or medicine has been swallowed, call the hospital immediately.

If toxic fumes have been inhaled, take your child outside into the fresh air immediately.

Take the substance container with you to the hospital and show it to the medical staff.

If you are in any doubt, call for help immediately.

Eamonn Sadler is a writer and columnist for 360 Safety. He is based in Jakarta.