Children are naturally curious and explore their homes where many hazardous but common household products are kept. The third most-common call to the Washington Poison Center is about accidental exposure to cleaning products.

“Even the best parent can’t supervise a child all the time and easy-to-do prevention can make your home a safe place for your child to explore,” said Dr. Beth Ebel, director of Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center at the University of Washington.

The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County has assembled easy tips for a safer home this summer. Find the complete list at www.hazwastehelp.org/hazardsinyourhome

Top safety tips include:

• Store products safely. Lock cabinets, or take a new look at where you keep cleaners, air fresheners, or medicines.
• Keep hazardous products in their original containers. The labels have the product information on them, the hazards and first aid – all of this is critical information if your child is exposed to products. Even adults can mistake toxics for food if cleaning products, automotive fluids or other hazardous items are not stored in their original containers.
• Get rid of unwanted hazardous products at no charge. Disposal is free at household hazardous waste disposal facilities, including the Wastemobile. A list of locations is at www.hazwastehelp.org.
• Clean out your medicine cabinet and store medicines safely. Safely dispose of medicines that are unwanted or expired – use a no cost medicine take-back program at a drop-off location. Store medicines safely by keeping them out of reach – lock them in a drawer, cabinet or medicine lock box. More information at TakeBackYourMeds.org.

For more information or for free Mr. Yuk stickers, call the Household Hazards Line, 206-296-4692, or 1-888-TOXIC ED, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the Washington Poison Center, 1-800-222-1222, 24 hours a day. For a list of upcoming household hazardous waste collection events, visit www.lhwmp.org/home/NewsEvents/.

The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program is a partnership of local governments including Seattle, King County, the suburban and other cities in King County, working together to manage hazardous wastes and protect health and the environment. Visit us at www.hazwastehelp.org.