Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA (WACH) - It is National Poison Prevention Week and poison centers are raising awareness about poison safety.

Each year more than two million calls are received at poison centers nationwide, according to the Palmetto Poison Center at the University of South Carolina.

The Palmetto Poison Center received more than 35,000 calls last year from counties throughout South Carolina. More than half of the calls were for exposures in children under the age of 6.

"The most calls we receive are about kids. Kids less than 6 years of age, and it's what you have in your house right now," said Palmetto Poison Center Director Dr. Jill Michels.

Michels says that items people have under their sinks and in their medicine cabinets result in calls the center receives on a daily basis.

These household items that draw kids' attention have parents turning to Mr. Yuck, a familiar face that has been around for years helping warn kids about what they should keep out of their mouths.

"We have Mr. Yuck stickers on our cabinet underneath the sink rather than putting him on all the bottles, which we do have. It's on the cabinet as well so they do see it an know it's a no no," said Jennifer Mellen, who had to contact the Palmetto Poison Center after a concerning incident with her 2-year-old daughter.

Mellen's daughter got into hair mouse and put some of the product into her mouth.

"Once I realized she had put some in her mouth, I called and asked what I was supposed to do," said Mellen.

Officials at the center say most of the calls they receive are about kids taking "look-alike items" like gummy vitamins, which are appealing to kids because they look just like gummy bears.

Poison centers emphazise the importance of keeping potentially harmful items out of reach and out of sight of children.

The Palmetto Poison Center recommends these basic poison prevention tips:

- Keep all household products and medicines locked up
- Keep all household products out of reach and out of sight
- Use child resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after use
- When any product is in use, keep it in your sight
- Keep all items in their original containers
- Read the label before using any product or medicine
- Avoid taking medicine in front of children

Call 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or visit the Palmetto Poison Center website for more information.