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Family Safety Resources

Safely storing prescription medications and firearms helps prevent children and teens from accessing items that could pose a serious risk. Virginia law (§ 18.2-308.7:1) requires school divisions to provide families with information and resources regarding the safe storage of firearms. See below for more information and resources.

Safe Storage of Prescription Medications

Prescription medications should always be stored securely and kept out of the sight and reach of children and teens. Simple precautions can help prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, or unauthorized access.

Here are some simple ides to keep your children safe:

  • Store prescription medications in a secure or locked location that children and teens cannot access.

  • Keep medications in their original, labeled containers and never share prescription medications with others.

  • Avoid leaving medications unattended in purses, backpacks, vehicles, countertops, or other easily accessible locations.

  • Keep track of medication quantities, particularly for medications that have the potential for misuse.

  • Promptly dispose of medications that are expired or no longer needed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using a drug take-back location or mail-back program as the preferred way to safely dispose of most unused or expired medications.

Safe Firearm Storage

Safe firearm storage can help prevent accidental injuries and reduce the likelihood that a child or teen will gain unauthorized access to a firearm, including during a crisis or moment of impulsive behavior.

Firearms are the leading cause of death among Virginia children and adolescents ages 1–17. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 1 in 3 deaths among Virginia children and teens in this age group involved a firearm, including firearm homicides and suicides. Additionally, 15% of Virginia high school students report that they could access a loaded firearm without parental permission in less than 10 minutes (VDH, Firearm Injury in Virginia).

Families can take simple, effective steps to help keep children and teens safe:

  • Store firearms locked and inaccessible to children and teens.

  • Keep firearms unloaded when not in use and store ammunition locked separately.

  • Do not rely on hiding a firearm as a substitute for secure storage.

  • Ensure children and teens do not have access to keys, combinations, or biometric permissions used to secure firearms.

  • Consider temporarily removing firearms from the home or otherwise preventing access when someone in the household is experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.

Sources: Virginia Department of Health; CDC Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS); Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

Concerned About Your Student?

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a mental health crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or at risk of harming themselves or others, seek support as soon as possible.

School Concerns: Contact the student's school administrator or counselor

Immediate Danger: Call 911. Do not leave the child alone and if able, remove access to firearms, medications, and other potential lethal items.

National Helplines:

SAMSHA National Helpline |  Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Issues  |  1-800-662-HELP (4357)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  |  Call or Text 988

Peninsula Area Crime Anonymous Line  |   p3tips.com  |  1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887)