The Cook County Health & Hospitals System and the Cook County Department of Environmental Control are encouraging people to poison-proof their homes in recognition of National Poison Prevention Week. Poisoning is the number one cause of injury-related death in the U.S., surpassing motor vehicle accidents. While poisonings can happen at work, school, outdoors, and anywhere else, 91 percent occur at home. From the garage to the bathroom to the attic, hundreds of toxic chemicals and substances are stored in your homes. Here are a few simple steps to prevent harm related to poisonings in the home:

• Install and regularly check carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Make sure all cleaning products are stored in their original containers. Store these containers up high and out of reach of children.
• Keep medicines in their original containers, properly labeled, and store them appropriately.
• Save the Illinois Poison Center’s number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone.

The Cook County Department of Environmental Control urges all residents to be aware that other harmful substances that can be found in homes. Residents can call (708) 865-6177 to obtain a reduced-price kit. For more information about National Poison Prevention Week, visit the American Association of Poison Control Centers at www.aapcc.org/prevention/nppw.