Washington County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students. In accordance with Virginia Code § 22.1-17.3(F), we are providing families with information about the importance of safely storing prescription medications and firearms.
Safe Storage of Prescription Medications
Proper storage and disposal of prescription medications can help prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose.
To help keep your family safe:
Store all prescription medications in their original containers with child-resistant caps secured.
Keep medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Secure prescription narcotics and other controlled medications in a locked cabinet or drawer.
Dispose of unused or expired medications promptly through a local drug take-back program whenever possible.
If a drug take-back program is unavailable, follow the medication's disposal instructions or safely dispose of medications according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Safe Storage of Firearms
Responsible firearm storage helps prevent accidental injuries and unauthorized access by children.
The Virginia Department of Health recommends:
Store firearms unloaded and locked using a gun safe, lockbox, trigger lock, or chamber lock.
Store ammunition locked and separate from firearms.
Remove firearms from the home whenever possible if someone in the household is experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts.
Parents are also encouraged to:
Ask about firearm storage before allowing their child to visit another home.
Teach children never to touch a firearm and to immediately leave the area and tell a trusted adult if they encounter one.
Virginia Law
Virginia law (§ 18.2-56.2) makes it unlawful to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers the life or safety of a child under the age of 14. The law also requires that children under the age of 12 be supervised by an adult when using a firearm.
Firearm Safety Statistics and Resources
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearm injuries were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1–19 in 2022. The CDC emphasizes that firearm injuries and deaths are preventable, and that safely storing firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition can help reduce the risk of accidental injury and unauthorized access.
If you are concerned that a child may be at risk of harming themselves or others, seek assistance immediately by contacting a trusted healthcare provider, mental health professional, or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Medication Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Firearm Injury Prevention
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: National Prescription Drug Take Back Program
Thank you for partnering with Washington County Public Schools to help keep our students safe at home, at school, and in our community.