Safe Storage Tips: Prescription Drugs and Firearms

Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) is committed to the safety and well-being of every student. We’re sharing important information about storing prescription medications and firearms safely, as required by Va. Code § 22.1-79.3(F). These simple tips can help prevent potentially devastating accidents.

Virginia law recognizes the importance of preventing children and adolescents from gaining unauthorized access to prescription drugs and firearms. Parents and guardians, take these steps to protect your child:

Prescription drugs should be stored securely, out of the sight and reach of children and adolescents. When possible:

• Keep prescription medications in a locked location that children cannot access.
• Do not leave medications unattended in purses, backpacks, vehicles, countertops, or other easily accessible locations.
• Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Dispose of unused or expired medications safely through an authorized medication take-back program or other appropriate disposal method.

Virginia law defines “prescription drug” in Va. Code § 54.1-3401.

For additional resources, please visit the Virginia Department of Education’s webpage on Parent & Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, & Violence Prevention.

Virginia law places responsibility on firearm owners and others who possess firearms to take appropriate precautions to prevent children from accessing firearms.

Under Va. Code § 18.2-56.2, a person who recklessly leaves a loaded firearm where it could endanger a child under 14 years of age may be subject to criminal penalties when the firearm is not properly secured and the statutory requirements are met.

Families are strongly encouraged to:

• Store every firearm unloaded when it is not in use.
• Secure firearms in a locked safe, lockbox, or other secure storage device.
• Store ammunition separately from firearms when practicable.
• Keep firearm keys, combinations, and access codes inaccessible to children and adolescents.
• Use an appropriate locking device, such as a cable lock or trigger lock, consistent with the firearm manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never assume that a child will not find or handle a firearm.
• Ask about firearm storage before allowing your child to visit another home.

For the current text of Virginia’s firearm-storage and child-access law, please review Va. Code § 18.2-56.2.

Firearms can cause fatal or life-altering injuries when they are accidentally discharged or accessed by someone who is not authorized to use them. Firearms are also involved in youth suicides and other self-inflicted injuries.

Safe firearm storage can help reduce the likelihood that a young person will gain access to a firearm during a crisis or moment of impulsive behavior.

Firearms are the leading cause of death among Virginia children and adolescents ages one through 17, highlighting the importance of violence prevention, suicide prevention, and safe firearm storage efforts.

Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 1 in 3 deaths among Virginia children and teens (ages one through 17) involved a firearm. Of these deaths, 19.5% were firearm homicides, and 11.8% were firearm suicides.

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a mental-health crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or presenting a danger to themselves or others, seek help promptly. Parents may want to consider:

• Talking openly and calmly with your child about their safety and well-being.
• Contacting your child’s pediatrician, mental-health provider, school counselor, or another qualified professional.
• Asking directly about thoughts of suicide or self-harm when you are concerned.
• Temporarily increasing supervision and reducing access to firearms, medications, and other potentially dangerous items.
• In an immediate emergency, calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency department.
• Using a nationally recognized crisis-support resource, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, when appropriate.

Additional information and resources are available through the Centers for Disease Control and other nationally recognized public and mental health organizations.

Please review your home storage practices regularly. Thank you for helping us maintain safe environments for our students at school and at home.