Chapter 8 Play It Safe! 155
• Before using a household cleaner,
insect spray, or medicine, read the
directions and warnings on the
package. Use these products only
as directed.
• Use spray products only in well-
ventilated areas. Point the spray
nozzle away from you. Never spray
toward other people or inhale the
spray yourself.
• Wear rubber gloves to prevent harm-
ful substances from touching your
skin. Cover your mouth and nose with
a face mask to keep from inhaling
dangerous fumes. You can buy gloves
and masks at hardware stores.
• Never mix household cleaning prod-
ucts. Some produce deadly fumes
when mixed together.
• Avoid using insect killers in the
kitchen. If you must use them, cover
all food and dishes. Insect killers can
make you sick or even kill you.
• Don't trust childproof caps to keep
children away from poisons. It is saf-
est to put all poisons and medicines
in a locked cabinet. Children can
climb onto counters and reach cabi-
nets near the ceiling. Also, do not tell
children that medicine tastes good
or that it is candy. They may want to
take more when you aren't looking.
• Store household cleaning products in
the containers in which they came.
The container often tells what to do
if someone swallows the product,
gets it on his or her skin, or in his or
her eyes. If the product is put in an
empty food jar or bottle, someone
might mistake it for food.
• Some household plants are poison-
ous. Examples are elephant ear, poin-
settia, philodendron, dieffenbachia,
and oleander. Keep plants away from
food and out of children's reach.
• Put Mr. Yuk symbols on all poisons
in your house. See 8-8. This sym-
bol lets you know that a product is
poison. Teach younger brothers and
sisters about Mr. Yuk.
Plan Ahead for Poison Emergencies
If a poisoning does occur, you’ll need
to get help for the victim fast. Here’s what
you can do to be ready to help victims who
swallow, inhale, or touch a poison.
8-8 8-8
Mr. Yuk stickers help young childrenchildren Mr. Yuk stickers help young
recognize poisons. You may want to place recognize poisons. You may want to place
them on household cleaners and other them on household cleaners and other
poisonous products in your poisonous products in your home..emoh
Activity: Have students examine household cleaning product
containers and note any warnings on the containers. How can
these products be stored safely?
Enrich: Role-play how to handle a poison emergency.