It is too easy for your child or teen to access drugs left on kitchen or bathroom counters and medicine cabinets. Securely store ALL painkillers and other common drugs. The Rhode Island Regional Coalitions offer free medication lock bags via mail for anyone is interested. Simply click the link below to visit the ordering page.
Newport County Prevention Coalition also offers Safe Medication Kits for all interested. Our kits include information about medication storage and disposal, an accurate measuring spoon for liquid medicine, a free ice pack and more! If you would like to order free Safe Medication Kits for your business, organization, or community group click here.
Medicine cabinets have become an unintended source of drugs – for risky teen “experimentation” or for loved ones struggling with a substance use disorder. Make it a goal to count your pills frequently and check expiration dates. This will prevent theft and help ensure medications are taken properly.
Lock up medications and store them in a secure place. Friends’ and relatives’ medicine cabinets are often a source for prescription pain pills. Protect your loved ones by using lock bags to securely store your medications. If not used properly, prescription drugs can be as harmful and dangerous as illicit drugs.
Take advantage of drop boxes located at Newport County Police Departments to dispose of unused or expired drugs.
Vitamins and medications can be very tempting for small fingers and mouths, and can even taste like candy or food. Accidents can happen fast, but here are some tips to help keep your kids safe.
Make sure that all medicines and vitamins are stored out of reach and out of sight of children. In 3 out of 4 emergency room visits for medicine poisoning, the child got into medicine belonging to a parent or grandparent.
When you need to give another dose in just a few hours, it may be tempting to keep medicine close at hand. It only takes a few seconds for children to get into medicine. Put medicine away after every use. If you need a reminder, set an alarm on your cell phone or a watch or write yourself a note.
Even if the child’s medication tastes good, don’t compare it to candy to encourage kids to take it!
Buy medicines in child-resistant packages when you can. But remember: child-resistant does not mean child-proof, some children can still get into medicine given enough time.
Guests in your home may not be thinking about the medicine they brought with them. In 49% of emergency room visits for medicine poisoning, the child got into medicine belonging to a relative, such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle. When you have guests, ask them to put purses, bags and coats out of reach of children.
Health products such as vitamins, diaper rush creams, and eye drop can be harmful if kids get into them. Store these securely, like over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
Specialists at posion control centers provide free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day. They can answer questions about how to give or take medicine and help with emergencies. 1-800-222-12222
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