Keep ALL medicines and chemicals well out of reach and out of sight of young children - this could be a high cupboard or a cupboard fitted with a child resistant catch, a lockable medicine cabinet or even a locked suitcase.

• Look for bottles with child resistant caps when buying medicines. Keep the caps on bottles and put medicines away immediately after use.
• Keep all medicines in their original containers.
• Tablets in packs or brightly coloured tablets are especially tempting to children.
• Don't count out your tablets for the day and then leave them lying around.
• Take your medicine when your child isn't around so they don't try to copy you.
• Teach your child about the safe use of medicines and never pretend they are sweets.
• Take left over medicines to your local chemist for them to dispose of safely
• Be especially careful when visiting relatives or friends - they may not follow your safety rules.

In particular:

• Don't keep them in the fridge - 'Keep Cool' usually means 'keep away from warm places like beside radiators or in direct sunlight'. If a medicine should be kept in the fridge it will say so. If it does, keep it as high up and hidden as possible.

Storing household chemicals and products

• Store all household chemicals and cleaning products out of sight and in cupboards with child resistant catches. Keep them high up and out of reach - never store them under the sink or on the floor by the toilet.
• Keep all chemical like paint, white spirit, oil for the car, weed-killers and pesticides high up out of reach and out of sight.
• Fit a padlock to the cupboard, shed or garage where they are kept.

Household hazards to be aware of:

• Tablets and liquids including aspirins, paracetomol, sleeping pills, vitamins and iron tablets
• Household, garden and DIY chemicals. Everyday products such as bleach, dishwater detergent, cleaning fluids and kettle descaler can cause severe burns to the mouth, throat and stomach and may also be poisonous. Glues and solvents are also harmful if they are 'sniffed' or swallowed.
• Plants - Some house and garden plants can cause rashes, sickness and stomach pains.
• Cosmetics, Nail varnish and its remover should be kept away from children.
• Alcohol can be very poisonous even in very small amounts.
• Cigarettes and cigarette ends and recreational drugs can be very toxic if eaten.
• Aromatherapy - Oils are often dangerous in very small amounts.