No matter where you are in the United States, if you are having an emergency related to drugs or poisoning, you can dial (800) 222-1222 and you will be connected to the local poison and drug information center. Be sure to post the poison control number near your home phone and save it in your cell phone.
Household Products
- Chemicals that kills pests and weeds need to be stored and used as described on the label by the manufacturer.
- Do not mix household products together.
- Do not store cleaners or drinks in old food containers.
- Keep household cleaning products in their original containers.
- Never use food containers/water bottles to hold chemicals or gasoline.
- Open a window if products have a strong smell or use them outside.
- Read the labels carefully and follow all instructions. Protect your skin and eyes if the label says to do so.
- Store household cleaning products and food away from each other so they cannot be mistaken.
Pool Chemicals
Pool chemicals can be dangerous. Open containers should always be kept in well-ventilated areas.
In addition, mixing pool chemicals can cause dangerous gasses - chlorine and chloramines. It can also result in explosions and fire.
Please remember to never mix the following:
- Different types of pool chlorine products in skimmer baskets or buckets.
- Chlorine products with algaecides or ammonia in buckets or containers.
- Chlorine products in containers or buckets with acid.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a gas that you can't see, taste, or smell. It is also called "CO." Carbon monoxide can come from anything that uses or burns natural gas, gasoline, charcoal, or wood.
Too much of this gas in the air can make you sick or even kill you. Sickness from carbon monoxide may feel like the flu, but with no fever.
If you believe your home has a carbon monoxide leak, leave immediately and call 911.
Carbon Monoxide Basics
- Do not leave a car or truck running in the garage even with the door open.
- Do not use gas or wood cooking stoves to heat the house.
- Have your gas furnace and water heater checked once a year. A furnace repairman can check your furnace and a plumber can check your water heater.
- Use barbecue and gas grills at least 10 feet or 3 meters away from the house.
- Use gasoline power electric generators at least 10 feet or 3 meters away from the house.
Staying Safe
- Put your carbon monoxide detector near where you and your family sleep.
- Learn the sound your carbon monoxide detector makes.
- If you hear the carbon monoxide detector sound- go outside fast and call 911.
Remember that a carbon monoxide detector is not the same as a smoke or fire alarm. You need smoke detectors, too.
Buying a Home
Buying a home can be a stressful experience with home inspections, offers and closings. Here are a few tips for determining if a home has a scorpion problem:
- If the house you are buying is located in the Sonoran Desert, you should be aware of what critters may be around. Even in highly populated areas, you can expect to find critters in and around any house.
- You can check a house for scorpions using a small black light. Go through the house after dark, as scorpions are more active at night, and check closets, ceilings, walls and areas along the baseboards. The black light will make the scorpions "glow." They will have a lime green glow like a light stick. Check outside too. Run the black light over the block walls with attention to the areas where the sections of the fence connect. Also look at the palm trees and any green plants that are growing up the side of the house.
- Ask the seller of the house if they have seen scorpions. If they say yes, but only a few, it still means that the house is home to some scorpions.
If you find scorpions, you need to make a decision to live with them and cope with possible results of a sting. Do not move in thinking that you can control them by spraying pesticides. Nothing is 100% sure of keeping scorpions from seeking shelter in your new house.
Sign in to Patient Account
