National Poison Prevention Week
March 20-26, 2011

Mr. Yuk rules

Every year the nation recognizes the 3rd week in March as, “National Poison Prevention Week.” This year is no different. The Washington Poison Center urges all Washington citizens to use this week as a reminder to be cautious with poisons.

Poisonings are the first leading cause of accidental deaths in Washington, surpassing car crashes and falls. Children, teens, adults, seniors and our pets are all at risk.

The theme of the 2011 Washington State's Poison Prevention Week campaign is "Mr. Yuk Rules" One lucky child will be chosen as the Mr. Yuk Poster Contest winner. His or her poster will be used as our State's official Poison Prevention Week poster. For contest rules, click here.

To view past Poison Prevention Week posters, click the poster below:

The goal of Poison Prevention Week is to reduce illnesses, injuries, and deaths due to poisonings; build safer communities; and reduce unnecessary health care costs for everyone.

Here are some ways to be cautious with poisons:

• Use child-resistant containers and remember, they are not childproof.
• Keep products in their original containers.
• Never call medicine candy or take in poor lighting.
• Return products to storage areas immediately after use.
• Teach children about Mr. Yuk.
• Put Mr. Yuk stickers on all poisonous products.
• Keep emergency numbers next to your phone: 1-800-222-1222.
• Call the Poison Center for a free information packet and Mr. Yuk stickers.
• Explore this website for more information for you and your family.
  
• Poison Prevention Week activity ideas (20KB pdf)

When a poisoning does occur, call 1-800-222-1222 to be connected to the nearest poison center. In Washington State, all calls are routed to the Washington Poison Center. Specially-trained pharmacists, nurses and poison physicians respond to emergencies and answer questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge. All services are confidential.

For more on National Poison Prevention Week visit www.poisonprevention.org.
Order educational materials, including Mr. Yuk stickers to help educate your family, boy/girl scout troop, co-workers, etc.

What is National Poison Prevention Week?
Public Law 87-319 authorizes the President to designate annually the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week. This act of Congress was signed into law on September 16, 1961, by President Kennedy, after which the Poison Prevention Week Council was organized to coordinate this annual event. Congress intended this event as a means for local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to take such preventive measures as the dangers warrant.