Poison Safety Around the House

Emergencies can happen quickly, especially when chemicals or toxins are involved. Knowing what to do—and how to prevent accidents—can help keep you and your family safe.

Call poison control in an emergency

If you or someone you know is exposed to a harmful substance, call the Poison and Drug Information Center at 800-222-1222 right away. Your call will be routed to the center that serves your area. 

Tip: Post the number near your home phone and save it in your mobile phone.

Household chemical safety tips 

Everyday cleaners and pest control products can be dangerous if not stored or used correctly. To reduce your risk of accidental poisoning: 

• Keep products in their original containers 
• Don’t store cleaners or chemicals in old food or drink containers 
• Never mix household products together - it can create toxic gases 
• Open windows or use products outside if they have a strong smell 
• Read labels and follow all instructions, including safety gear for your eyes or skin 
• Store cleaning supplies away from food to prevent mix-ups  

Pool chemical safety

Pool chemicals can cause fires, explosions or toxic gases when handled improperly. 

Important safety tips:

• Store pool chemicals in well-ventilated areas 
• Never mix: 
  • Different types of chlorine 
  • Chlorine with algaecides or ammonia 
  • Chlorine with acids 

Carbon monoxide (CO) safety 

Carbon monoxide is a gas you can’t see, smell or taste. It comes from things that burn fuel, like grills, cars, stoves and fireplaces. CO can make you sick or even be deadly. 

To stay safe: 

• Never run a car in the garage, even with the door open 
• Don’t use ovens or grills to heat your home 
• Have your furnace and water heater checked each year 
• Use generators and grills at least 10 feet from your home 

Install a carbon monoxide detector: 

• Place it near where your family sleeps 
• Learn what the alarm sounds like 
• If it goes off, go outside right away and call 911 
• Remember: CO detectors are not the same as smoke alarms, you need both 

How to check for scorpions before buying a home 

If you’re buying a home in the desert Southwest, it’s smart to check for scorpions—especially in the Sonoran Desert. 

Here’s how: 

• Use a small black light at night, scorpions glow lime green 
• Check baseboards, closets, ceilings and outdoor block walls or plants 
• Ask the seller if they’ve seen scorpions. Even “a few” means they’re present 
• Pesticides may not fully prevent scorpions. If you find them, be prepared to manage the risk of a sting. 

Poison emergencies: Banner Health is here to help 

Banner Health’s Poison and Drug Information Center offers 24/7 expert guidance if you or someone you know is exposed to a harmful substance, such as a medication, household cleaner, chemical or plant. 

Call the Poison and Drug Information Center at 800-222-1222 anytime. You’ll speak with a trained specialist who can: 

• Help you understand what to do in an emergency 
• Guide you on whether home care or emergency care is needed 
• Answer your questions with fast, accurate information 

If someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing or having a seizure, call 911 immediately.