Media Release
4 December 2009
For immediate release

Have fun and keep kids safe in the outdoors this summer

Plunket and the National Poisons Centre are urging families to have fun but be safe in the outdoors this summer.

Summer is a wonderful time to get involved with young children outside, and there are lots of new things to learn about and explore together at the beach, in the garden, and in the great outdoors. However, outside environments, just like indoor ones, require some safety precautions to keep young ones safe.

“Little children are very vulnerable and very dependent on the good care and supervision of responsible and attentive adults,” says Sue Campbell, National Child Safety Advisor at Plunket.

“Keep children safe this summer by remembering to keep poisons out of sight, out of reach and out of mouths. If in doubt call the National Poisons Centre,” National Poisons Centre Director Dr Wayne Temple says.

Plunket and the National Poisons Centre both have information on keeping children safe outside.
Some things to keep in mind include:

• Some plants are poisonous and soil can also contain poisons. Teach your child never to put anything from the garden in their mouth.
• Many garden products and pool chemicals are highly poisonous, including fertilisers and pesticides. They must be kept out of reach in a high lockable cupboard that cannot be reached by climbing.
• Keep liquids in their original container. NEVER store poisonous liquids in soft drink bottles.
• Don’t leave sunscreens where children can find them. Always store them out of reach.
• First aid for jellyfish stings includes using sea water to wash the area and then soaking the area in warm water to relieve pain.
• While insect repellents are invaluable to ward off annoying insects, they are not appropriate for children under two years old. Avoid applying to children’s hands as they can place them in their mouths or eye.

If you suspect a poisoning or need poisons advice, contact the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON 0800 764 766. For poisons prevention information go to www.poisons.co.nz

For more information go to: www.poisons.co.nz or http://www.plunket.org.nz/your-child/safety/

ENDS

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