Outdoor Poison Exposures

If your kids enjoy playing outside, they could get into some dangerous situations with outdoor poisons. Many family garages and sheds are home to lawn chemicals, fluids, paints and pesticides.

Here are some basic tips to help keep your children — and yourself — safe:

1. Read product labels so you understand how to use them correctly and the dangers they may pose to you and your family.
2. Think about the task at hand and choose the least dangerous product that can get the job done.
3. Make sure there's enough space to store properly labeled products with enough ventilation. If children are around, lock the chemicals in a cabinet. Your best bet is to keep these substances UP and AWAY from kids.
4. Use recommended protective equipment, follow the manufacturer's instructions and get rid of the chemicals correctly.
5. Do not reuse empty containers or repack products in different containers such as drinking glasses, soda bottles or food containers. They can be mistaken for food or drinks.

If you or your child is poisoned, call Wisconsin Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Experts are here all day, every day, to answer your questions and to help you in a poisoning emergency. Calls are free, fast and confidential.

If you or someone you know can't breathe, collapses or has a seizure, call 9-1-1 right away.