Keeping your home safe is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. Many everyday items, such as cleaners, medicines, chemicals, and even certain plants, can become household poisons if they are used the wrong way or stored where children or pets can reach them.

At the Iowa Poison Control Center, we are here to help you create a safer, healthier home. Use this easy guide to learn essential poison prevention, family safety, and home safety tips you can start using today.

Childproof and Poison-Proof Your Home

Young children explore their world by touching and tasting, making child safety a top priority. These simple, safe home solutions help ensure your home stays child-safe around the clock.A mother, son, and family dog share quality time together in their poison-proof home.

  • Childproof your home before a baby begins crawling.
  • Keep all medicines, cleaners, alcohol, chemicals, and personal care items up high and locked up.
  • Use child-resistant packaging on products whenever possible.
  • Install child-safety locks on cabinets and drawers.
  • Store purses, backpacks, and visitor bags out of children’s reach.
  • Never store food and cleaning products together.
  • Keep all chemicals in their original containers with labels.
  • Remember to poison-proof outdoor areas, basements, and the garage too.

Medication Safety

Medicines are one of the most common causes of accidental poisoning. Use these medication safety steps every day:

  • Always read the label and turn on the light to check the dose.
  • Never call medicine “candy.”
  • Teach kids to only take medicine from a trusted adult.
  • Keep medicines and vitamins up, away, and out of sight.
  • Avoid storing medications on countertops or tables.
  • Ask your pharmacist if your medicines may have medication interactions.
  • Use safe medication disposal methods for expired or unused medicine.
  • Remind grandparents to keep pill boxes, purses, and medications locked away—about 20% of children’s medicine poisonings involve a grandparent’s medication.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or even death.

To protect your home:

  • Install a working carbon monoxide detector or carbon monoxide alarm near every sleeping area.
  • Test your alarms regularly.
  • Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, including headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and confusion.

If your alarm sounds, evacuate your home immediately and call 911.

Household Cleaners, Chemicals, & Laundry Products

Many poisonous household cleaners and chemicals can cause dangerous poisoning symptoms if touched, inhaled, or swallowed. Follow these chemical safety tips:

  • Read and follow all instructions on product labels.
  • Never mix chemicals—some combinations can produce toxic gas.
  • Keep bleach away from all other products; mix only with water.
  • Store cleaners and chemicals in original containers with labels.
  • Keep all cleaning and laundry products locked up and out of reach.
  • Put products away immediately after use.
  • Never leave a child or pet alone while products are out.

Plant Safety

Some plants, berries, and mushrooms can cause serious poisoning if eaten. Good plant safety habits help prevent accidental exposures.

  • Keep all plants out of reach of young children and pets.
  • Learn the names of your indoor and outdoor plants.
  • Check a plant guide to learn if your plants are poisonous.
  • Teach children never to eat mushrooms, berries, or leaves.
  • Do not assume a plant is safe just because animals eat it.
  • Do not make teas or remedies from plants unless instructed by a medical professional.

Be Prepared

Iowa Poison Control Center offers 24/7 poison help with expert guidance to keep your family safe.

  • Save the Poison Help number: 1-800-222-1222
  • Post it in your home where everyone can see it.
  • Call immediately if you think someone may have been poisoned. Do not wait for symptoms.

If you have questions about poison prevention, safe storage, or how to keep your home child-safe, our experts are here to help.