Storing pesticides, and other poisons, doesn’t have to be dangerous. Remembering safety guidelines will keep your family and pets safe.

Follow directions and pay attention to precautions on product labels. Some call for storage in a cool environment; heat could cause some chemicals to interact, leading potential danger. Never buy more pesticide than you need, because stockpiling means more storage.

Pesticides should be stored in a high cabinet, well out of reach of children and pets, and should always remain in their original containers. Some ventilation in the storage area is preferable; for example, a locked garden shed is a good place to keep them. Flammable pesticides should be kept away from ignition sources like furnaces, grills and even lawn mowers.

Additionally, keep pesticides out of flood-prone areas, like basements, as they could then leach into the soil or groundwater. Dispose of them only as directed on the label, or as recommended at www.EPA.gov.

Most importantly, use the child-proof packaging properly, to reduce the likelihood of a child opening the container (remember, no package is really child-proof) and never, ever place poisons in empty food or beverage containers. As always, if accidental contact or consumption occurs, immediately contact poison control.