There is a new toll-free, around-the-clock number for DeKalb residents and everyone in the U.S. to call in case of a poison-related emergency. It's 1-800-222-1222. Georgia callers will be connected to the Georgia Poison Center. There, nurses, pharmacists and physicians provide treatment advice and answer questions.

Last year, over 5,000 calls about possible human poisonings were made from DeKalb County to the Georgia Poison Center.

"Children ages five and under are at greatest risk for poisoning," says SAFE KIDS of DeKalb Coordinator Janet Weisman. "They are curious and sometimes mimic adults they see taking medications. Also, a lack of supervision can mean children have access to dangerous substances."

In Georgia, approximately half of last year's calls involved children ages five and younger. However, over one-third were about adults ages 20 and older. So, all individuals should be careful about preventing poisonings.

Over 50 percent of the incidents reported to the Georgia Poison Center involve either prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Several steps can prevent this type of poisoning. Be sure to read the label for instructions and correct dosage. Administer the dosage with the proper measuring tool, not an ordinary spoon. If the medicine is vomited, call your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Also, with prescription drugs, check for the patient's name. Never give someone another person's medication.

SAFE KIDS of DeKalb is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national organization solely dedicated to the prevention of unintentional injuries, such as poisonings, among children ages one through 14. Injury is the leading cause of death in this age group.

For more information about SAFE KIDS, call Janet Weisman, DeKalb County Board of Health, at (404) 294-3719 or visit www.safekids.org and dekalbhealth.net. For more information about preventing poisonings, visit georgiapoisoncenter.org.

###