Monash Bulletin - 3 July 2007

Is Your Home Poison Proof?

Monash City Council Maternal and Child Health Nurses have joined a state-wide campaign to inform and educate parents and grandparents about the dangers of child poisonings in the home.

Mayor Tom Morrissey said Monash's Maternal and Child Health Nurses are working closely with the Department of Human Services on the "Remove the risk. Put poisons away. Straight away" awareness campaign.

"At least eight children a day receive medical attention in Victoria after swallowing poison," he said. "Young children do not know the difference between what is safe and what is dangerous. We are helping to educate parents and carers about making their homes safe by keeping poisons out of reach and out of sight."

Most poisonings involving children happen at home, but they can also occur while visiting friends and family, or while on holiday. While most come from loving families with attentive, caring parents or guardians, it's simply not possible to watch your children every minute of every day.

During home and local centre visits in the City of Monash, Maternal and Child Health Nurses are discussing with new parents the importance of child safety and poison proofing their homes.

The advice includes locking poisons away or putting them out of reach and out of sight, never referring to medicines as lollies, keeping visitor's handbags out of your child's reach and being aware of children's climbing abilities.

For more information, please contact your local Maternal and Child Health Centre or the Royal Children's Hospital Safety Centre on 9345 5085. In an emergency, immediately call 000 for an ambulance.

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Published: 29 June 2007

[ Up: Monash Bulletin - 3 July 2007  |   Forward: Council Decisions at Its 26 June Meeting ]