The places where we live and make our homes, where we relax and put worry aside — all should be free of fears that what we breathe or drink or otherwise come in contact with could harm us.

Yet that isn’t always the case, even in this modern age.

Last year, the Michigan Regional Poison Control Center responded to more than 60,000 calls about potential poisonings; 46 percent involving children under the age of 6.

To raise awareness of the dangers of potentially toxic medicines and chemicals, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is joining the Michigan Regional Poison Control Center in recognizing this as National Poison Prevention Week.

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the nation’s poison centers. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, roughly 90 percent of poisonings happen at home.

“By educating Michigan residents about preventative measures they can take, we can help keep our environments and loved ones safe,” MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said. “But, if needed, calling poison control can help Michiganders manage their exposures to poison wisely, with nearly 47 percent of calls managed at home without requiring medical intervention.”

Residents should follow preventative measures to reduce the risk of poisonings, including:

— Keeping all chemicals, including medications, out of the reach of children;

— Carefully reading the labels and dosages on all products before using;

— Keep products in their original containers;

— Not mixing chemicals;

— Having a working carbon monoxide detector in your home;

— Saving the National Poison Control number at 800-222-1222.

To learn more about preventing poisonings, go to the Poison Help Web site at PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov. A version of the same materials in Spanish can be viewed at PoisonHelpEspanol.hrsa.gov.

For a poison emergency, contact the Michigan Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. If someone is unconscious or has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.