Important Phone Numbers and Hotlines

Safety and Emergency Information

In most cases, if your child is poisoned, you should just call Poison Control right away using the toll-free nationwide number -- 1-800-222-1222.

You should not wait for your child to have symptoms, even if you aren't positive if your child actually swallowed any of the poison, or if you aren't sure if it really is poisonous. And don't call your pediatrician first to ask if you should call Poison Control. If your child had contact with something that could be poisonous, your best bet is to just call Poison Control. And remember that a poison can be almost anything, including over-the-counter medicines, mouthwash, drain cleaner, some household plants, and even some spider bites.

Parents of a young children, especially first-time parents, are sometimes tempted to call their pediatrician for every single gas pain, loose stool, or rash. However, even if you have a very supportive pediatrician, you should try to learn how to recognize when a symptom is due to a serious medical problem and when something is normal.

Of course, when in doubt, trust your instincts and call your pediatrician or seek medical attention when your baby has a symptom or problem that you are concerned about. And for some things -- such as a seizure, fall with loss of consciousness, or severe allergic reaction -- you should immediately call 911 and notify your pediatrician only after your baby has received emergency medical attention.

Sure, you will have plenty of time to call for your child's first visit to the dentist or when he has a simple toothache, but what about if your child falls and knocks out a tooth?

If that happens, you will be relieved to have your pediatric dentist's phone number handy so that you can call for some quick advice.

In an emergency, whether you need to go to the hospital or need someone to pick up your kids at school in a hurry, who are you going to call? Having some phone numbers of people who you can contact and can be sure will be ready to help can make emergency situations less stressful -- both for you and your kids:

• Emergency Contact:
• Emergency Contact:
• Emergency Contact:
• Emergency Contact:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) -- is available to anyone who feels 'sad, hopeless, or suicidal' and to family and friends who are trying to help someone who is having those feelings.

As suicide is one of the leading causes of death in older children and teens, it is important that they know that they always have someone to call if they need help.