Outdoor Chemicals & Poison Hazards

According to the State of Home Safety in America^TM (2002, household chemicals caused more than 45,000 emergency room visits in a single year. Many families store chemicals and cleaning supplies in a garage or basement, and while those may not be high traffic areas for family members, it is important to store and handle chemicals correctly, wherever they are. The Home Safety Council recommends the following guidelines when storing and handling dangerous products, including gasoline, pool chemicals and pesticides:

	Use child-resistant caps on dangerous products, including those stored in the garage, such as pesticides, automotive fluids, charcoal lighter, paint thinner, antifreeze, and turpentine. Ideally, hazardous products should be stored in a locking cabinet.
	Store all products in their original containers and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
	When using harsh products follow safety recommendations, such as wearing gloves and masks. Do not mix products together because their contents could react together with dangerous results.
	Never transfer poisonous or caustic products to drinking glasses, pop bottles, or other food containers, which could be mistaken and the contents consumed.
	Make sure all chemicals are stored in their original containers according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
	Store only a small amount of gasoline, in a garage or shed, and always in an approved, vented container designed and labeled for gasoline. Because of its highly volatile flammable vapors, gasoline must never be brought indoors.
	Read the use and storage directions before using products. Original labels on product containers often give important first-aid information.
	Pesticides are extremely hazardous – consider substituting non-poisonous insecticides whenever possible.
	Mix insect sprays outdoors, away from areas used by your family and pets.
	Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer’s directions, always in tightly covered original containers, in a dry place. Keep these away from other chemicals and products.