Be Prepared for a Plant Poisoning Emergency

Preparing for possible problems is part of a good plant safety strategy. Toxic house and garden plants should always be kept away from children and pets, but if the unexpected happens, there are some measures you can take beforehand to be ready to deal with emergencies.

The recommendations below will help you prepare for toxic houseplant interactions. If you take care to bring safe plants into your home and keep plants away from young children and pets you should be able to expect your plants and family to live in harmony. If the unexpected happens, however, there are some measures you can take to be prepared for dealing with toxic plant emergencies.

Have Poisoning Emergency Supplies On Hand

In a poisoning emergency, you may be instructed to induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal. It's a good idea to keep a supply of syrup of ipecac on hand to induce vomiting as well as activated charcoal to absorb ingested toxins in the stomach and intestines. Both substances are available at your local pharmacy. In an emergency, get help immediately, and don't administer either of these substances until you have spoken with a medical professional.

Know How to Get Help

Keep the poison control number within easy reach, and make sure family members and caregivers have access to it too.

Emergency Help With Plant Related Poisonings

Keep the toll free number for The Poison Control Center (AAPCC) hotline on your list of emergency numbers. It will route you to the regional poison center for your area: 1-800-222-1222. For help with your pet, the ASPCA hotline will help you for a fee: 888-426-4435.