Prince Edward County Public Schools is committed to supporting the safety, health, and well-being of our students and families. Proper storage of prescription medications and firearms is an important part of creating a secure home environment and reducing the risk of accidental injury, misuse, or unauthorized access. In accordance with Virginia law and Prince Edward County School Board Policy, we are providing families with information about the importance of securely storing prescription medications and firearms in the home.
Prescription Medication Safety
Prescription medications should always be stored in a manner that prevents children and adolescents from accessing them without adult supervision.
Families are encouraged to:
Store medications in a locked or otherwise secure location.
Keep medications in their original, clearly labeled containers.
Keep track of the amount of medication in the home, particularly medications that may be misused.
Safely dispose of medications that are expired or no longer needed.
Never give prescription medication to anyone other than the person for whom it was prescribed.
Additional information about medication safety and poisoning prevention is available through the Virginia Department of Health.
If you suspect that a child or another person has accidentally taken medication or been exposed to a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
Firearm Safety and Secure Storage
Proper firearm storage is an important step families can take to help prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of injury or death.
Virginia law establishes requirements related to the safe storage of firearms and access to firearms by children. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-56.2, it is unlawful to leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers the life or limb of a child. Virginia law also establishes requirements for storing firearms in residences where a minor or a person prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present. (Virginia Law)
Families are encouraged to take additional precautions, including:
Store firearms unloaded and locked whenever possible.
Use a firearm safe or other secure storage device.
Store ammunition separately from firearms.
Ensure children and adolescents cannot access keys, combinations, or other means of opening firearm storage devices.
Consider using a locking device appropriate for the firearm.
Secure firearm storage can help prevent accidental shootings, unauthorized access, firearm-related injuries, and suicide.
Firearm Injury and Youth Safety
Firearm injuries are a significant cause of injury and death among children and adolescents in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1–19 in 2020 and 2021, when all types of firearm injuries—including homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries—are considered. (CDC)
CDC research also indicates that unsecured firearms, including firearms that are stored loaded or unlocked, are associated with an increased risk of unintentional firearm injuries and deaths involving children. Research from the CDC further indicates that secure firearm storage practices, such as keeping firearms locked and unloaded and storing ammunition separately, can help protect children and adolescents from unintentional firearm injury and death. (CDC)
Firearms also play a significant role in suicide deaths. Safe firearm storage is especially important when a child or other household member is experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, significant emotional distress, or another behavioral health crisis.
When You Are Concerned About a Child
Parents and caregivers should take concerns about a child's safety, threats of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or threats toward others seriously.
If you have concerns about your child's emotional or behavioral health, don't hesitate to contact your child's school counselor, school administrator, healthcare provider, or another qualified mental health professional.
If there is an immediate emergency or danger, call 911.
Families may also access suicide prevention and behavioral health resources through the Virginia Department of Health and other local and state behavioral health providers.
Additional Resources
Parents and guardians can find additional information through the following resources:
Code of Virginia — Safe Storage of Firearms
Code of Virginia — Allowing Access to Firearms by Children
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Firearm Injury and Death Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Mental Health and Drug Use Awareness
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Overdose Prevention
National Capital Poison Center — Poison Control
Virginia Department of Health — Firearm Deaths
Virginia Department of Health — Medication Safety and Poisoning Prevention
Virginia Department of Health — Overdose Data Information
Virginia Department of Health — Firearm Injury Prevention
Virginia Department of Health — Suicide Prevention Resources
Prince Edward County Public Schools provides this notification as part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and in accordance with Virginia Code § 22.1-79.3(F) and applicable Prince Edward County School Board Policy. (Virginia Law)