Did you know that medication is the leading cause of poisoning in children? Even the smallest amount of an adult medication could pose a significant or even fatal danger to your child.

As part of National Poison Prevention Week (March 14-20), Health Canada, in partnership with Safe Kids Canada and the Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres, is reminding us just how important it is to be conscious of the threat of unintentional poisoning. They are also offering tips on how to keep children safe.

According to Safe Kids Canada, the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children, an estimated five children age 14 years and under die every year in Canada from poisoning while another 1,280 are hospitalized for serious injuries. A significant risk is when poisonous products or medications have not been stored properly or have been removed from their original packaging, making them easily accessible to children.

Health Canada is urging parents and caregivers to keep chemicals, medications, cleaning supplies and art supplies not meant for children safely stored in a locked cabinet or box, out of the reach of children. It’s reminding parents that if poisoning is suspected, call the local Poison Control Centre or 911 immediately.

The theme chosen for this year’s National Poison Prevention Week is, “Locked Out of Reach.” “Medication is the leading cause of poisoning in children, but household cleaners and personal care products are other common causes of poisoning,” says Pamela Fuselli, executive director of Safe Kids Canada. “We encourage all parents to take this opportunity and check that their medications and all potential poisons are in their original containers and locked in a cabinet or a box out of the reach of children.”

Visit the Health Canada website for helpful tips or to access its education programs like Stay Safe. For more information on unintentional poisoning and for tips on how to prevent them, please visit the websites for Health Canada, Safe Kids Canada and the Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres.

Some additional tips and information is available at AboutKidsHealth.ca.