Oklahoma Poison Center outlines prevention steps for households during National Poison Prevention Week observances statewide

Prevention week focuses on everyday risks and how to respond quickly

National Poison Prevention Week is observed each March to promote practical steps that reduce accidental poisonings and improve response when exposures occur. For 2026, the national observance is set for March 15–21, aligning with annual outreach by poison centers and public health partners.

In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Poison Center operates a 24-hour hotline (1-800-222-1222) that connects residents to specially trained specialists who provide guidance for poison exposures and medication-related questions. The Poison Center is operated by the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and provides consultation for both the public and health care professionals.

What Oklahoma’s call data show about who is most affected

The Poison Center’s 2024 annual report documents 34,914 poison- and drug-related calls, along with 30,593 follow-up calls to monitor outcomes and safety. Children remain a central focus for prevention because of the high frequency of accidental exposures: 47% of human exposure calls involved children age 5 or younger.

The 2024 report also highlights marijuana exposures among very young children. The Poison Center recorded 264 calls involving children ages 0–5 exposed to marijuana; 209 of those children (80%) were treated in a health care facility. The data underscore the importance of secure storage for products that may be edible or easily accessible to children.

Common scenarios and clear, actionable prevention steps

Poison prevention messaging typically centers on hazards found in most homes. These include medications, household cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals that can cause harm if swallowed, inhaled, or splashed into the eyes or onto skin. Medication errors—such as taking the wrong dose or mixing products that should not be combined—are another recurring concern in poison center calls nationwide.

• Save the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) in every caregiver’s phone and post it in a visible spot at home.
• Store medications, chemicals, and cleaning products in locked or child-resistant locations, out of sight and reach.
• Read labels before each use and follow dosing instructions carefully, especially for children and older adults.
• Keep products in original containers to avoid confusion and to preserve ingredient and first-aid information.
• Use extra caution with products that may be appealing to children because of color, smell, or packaging.

When to call, what to have ready, and why timing matters

In an exposure event, rapid, accurate information can shape next steps—whether home observation is sufficient or urgent medical evaluation is needed. Calling the Poison Help line can provide real-time guidance tailored to the substance, amount, timing, and symptoms. When calling, it helps to have the person’s age and weight, the product name and ingredients (if available), the amount involved, the time of exposure, and current symptoms.

Poison specialists can guide immediate first steps and help determine whether emergency care is necessary, while continuing follow-up as needed.

Oklahoma-specific hazards also include snake bites

Beyond household exposures, the Oklahoma Poison Center also supports management guidance for venomous bites. The 2024 annual report notes the Poison Center helped manage 363 snake bites, including 160 copperhead bites and 38 rattlesnake bites, among other categories. As warmer weather approaches, the Poison Center’s prevention message expands to include outdoor safety and prompt consultation after suspected bites or stings.