What is the best way to store poisons in the home, according to safety experts?

Storing poisons securely is critical for preventing accidental ingestion, particularly by children and pets. The recommendation to place poisons in a location that has a lock or a latch is rooted in the need for accessibility control. A locked cabinet or a container that cannot be easily opened by children ensures that access to these hazardous substances is restricted. This method significantly reduces the likelihood of curious children stumbling upon potentially dangerous items.

While placing poisons in high locations or behind closed doors offers some level of safety, these measures can still be insufficient, as children may attempt to climb or open doors. Similarly, hiding poisons in secret places is not a fail-proof strategy; children often discover such locations through exploration. Therefore, the most effective measure is the use of locks or latches, which provide a robust barrier to prevent unauthorized access.