According to

the American Association of Poison Control Centers, every $1 spent on

a poison center results in $4-$9 savings in overall health care costs.

The Georgia

Poison Center reminds you to make your home safe by poison-proofing it.

Keep the number of the Georgia Poison Center on or near your telephone,

and if a poisoning occurs, call the center immediately. The service is

free, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week 404-616-9000 (inside metro Atlanta),

1-800-282-5846 (outside metro Atlanta), 404-616-9287 (TDD for the deaf

and hearing impaired).

To help keep

your family safe, the Georgia Poison Center and the Fayette County Health

Dept. offer these safety tips:

Keep Syrup

of Ipecac in your home, and use it only when told to do so by the poison

center or your doctor. It is important to keep all poisonous products

such as: cleaning products, bug and weed killers, laundry and dishwasher

detergents, and gasoline out of the sight and reach of young children.

Store items

in locked cabinets if possible. Always read and follow label directions

when using any household products. Medications should be stored in a locked

cabinet out of sight and reach of young children and pets. Using child-resistant

caps is necessary every time the product is used.

Children should

be taught that medicine is not candy and should never be taken unless

an adult gives it to them. Proper doseage could mean the difference between

a life and death situation; always check the dose of medicine before giving

it to a child. If you are still unsure, call your physician or your pharmacist.

Some plants,

mushrooms, and berries can be very poisonous. Know the names of plants

inside and outside of your home. Teach children to never touch or taste

any part of a plant, berry, or mushroom.

Poisonings

are preventable but it is up to you.

For more information

about poison prevention call the Fayette County Health Dept. at 770-461-1178,

ext. 5416 or the Georgia Poison Centers Education Dept. at 404-616-9235,

or visit the Geogia Poison Center website at www.georgiapoisoncenter.org .