Keeping unused or expired medicines in your home is dangerous. If your doctor tells you to stop taking a medicine, promptly dispose of it to help prevent a medicine error. Make it a habit to regularly dispose of unused and expired medicines.
Fall Poison Safety
![Multi-generation family walking in autumn park](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-Poison-Safety.jpg)
Each season comes with different poison hazards that we need to keep in mind. Although we are still coping with COVID-19, poisonings continue to happen. Below, we share some tips to help you stay poison safe during the fall season.
Poison Emergency Preparedness
![Hand holding a cell phone with the screen on a contact for Maryland Poison Center with the phone number 1-800-222-1222](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Poison-Emergency-Prepardness.jpg)
September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Let’s look at some steps that families can take to make sure they are prepared for a poison emergency. Remember, if the person is not breathing, is unconscious, or having seizures, call 911 right away. If not, call 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a poison specialist who is ready to answer your call.
Stop, Ask First!
![Two rows of colorful circular items, one row is candy and the other row is medicine](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Stop-Ask-First.png)
Children under the age of six accounted for 36% of cases at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) in 2019. One common reason for unintentional exposures in children is that they are not able to tell the difference between products that look alike. Teach young children to “Stop, Ask First” before touching, tasting, or smelling something.
Insect Repellents
![Dad spraying insect repellent on child's leg skin outdoors](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Insect-Repellents.jpg)
Summer is in full force! Whether you’re going camping in the woods or just playing at the neighborhood park, you’ll likely find yourself applying sunscreen and bug spray before heading out. Let’s explore how to safely use insect repellents to better protect our loved ones when outdoors.
Maryland Critters that Bite and Sting
![A collage with a copperhead snake, black widow spider, and an Atlantic sea nettle jellyfish](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bites-and-Stings.png)
Although most critters in Maryland are beneficial to the ecosystem, some can bite or sting humans, potentially causing an injury.
What’s in Your House? Laundry Room and Garage Edition
![A blog series showing rooms of a house with different products highlighted in each.](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/WIYH_LaundryGarage.png)
Welcome to the fifth and final edition of our home safety series. More than 90% of poisonings happen in the home. Keep an eye out for these potential poisons in your laundry room and garage, and make sure you use and store them safely.
First-time Parent’s Guide to Poison Proofing Your Home
![Afro-American baby girl is looking forward with interest while crawling on wooden floor at home](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/First-Time-Parent.jpg)
As a new parent, it’s exciting each time your baby reaches a new milestone. As soon as a baby starts to scoot, crawl, cruise, or walk, it’s time to baby proof.
What’s in Your House? Bedroom Edition
![A blog series showing rooms of a house with different products highlighted in each.](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/WIYH_Bedroom.png)
Welcome to the fourth edition of our home safety series. More than 90% of poisonings happen in the home. Keep an eye out for these potential poisons in your bedroom, and make sure you use and store them safely.
Poison Safety During the Coronavirus Pandemic
![Collage with a multi-generational family, cleaning products, hand sanitizer, and white pills.](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Poison-Safety-COVID.png)
Poisonings are more likely to happen when people find themselves in a different routine or environment, or they are struggling to find activities to keep them occupied. To make sure your home is poison-safe for everyone during the coronavirus pandemic, follow these tips.