Medicine is not a treat: how to protect your kids this Halloween

Across the country, parents are preparing to celebrate Halloween with their children, which includes many treats. But sometimes candies can look a lot like drugs and vitamins, especially to a curious child.

Any medicine or vitamin taken incorrectly or by the wrong person can be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, nearly 60,000 young children accidentally ingest medication and end up in an emergency. Fortunately, most visits allow the child to return home after follow-up. But sometimes children may need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. These health problems can be prevented by keeping medicines out of the reach of children.

On this Halloween, the CDC reminds parents to keep their drugs under lock and key in its "Up and Away" campaign, which partners with other government agencies, safety councils and medical groups.

Here are their six tips for keeping your kids safe on Halloween and every other day of the year.

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Choose a place that your children can not reach

Medications are often left on the counter of the kitchen or bathroom to remind us to take them every day, but these places are also within reach of our children. Take a walk around your house and take stock of where you store your medicine. Make sure it's well above the reach of your children, out of sight.

Store the drugs after each use

Never leave drugs on sale at your fingertips, even if you are away for a minute or plan to give another dose in a few hours. After taking the medicine, remember to store it in a safe place. This includes the medications and vitamins you take every day.

Check the safety cap

Many bottles have child safety caps, but they do not work if we do not check them. Always replace the safety cap after each use and turn it to make sure it is securely in place.

Teach your kids about medication safety

Prevention begins with education. It is important to teach children what medications are and to make sure they are the only ones who can give them them. Never tell a child that the drug is a candy, even if he does not like to take it.

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Talk to your guests about medication safety

Remind clients who visit to keep medicines in their bags, coat or pockets, out of sight and out of reach. If possible, have them take their medications at home or suggest that they be stored in a safe place in your home.

Know who to call in case of emergency

Record the phone number of the American Association of Poison Control Centers on your phone in case of emergency: 1-800-222-1222.

Call Poison Control immediately if you suspect that your child has accidentally ingested a drug or vitamin, even if you are not completely sure.

Post the number on your refrigerator or other prominent place in your home and make sure all other caregivers – grandparents, babysitters and housekeepers – also have the phone number.

Dr. Tiffany Yeh is a researcher in endocrinology at New York-Presbyterian Medical Center Weill Cornell and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.