Safe Storage of Prescription Drugs and Firearms Parent Notification

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The safety and well-being of our students are the highest priorities for Pittsylvania County Schools. In accordance with Virginia state law, this notification serves to inform all families of the critical importance of secure storage for prescription medications and firearms within the home.

By working together to implement these safety measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisonings, injuries, and self-harm among our youth.

Safe Storage of Prescription Drugs
Under Virginia Code § 54.1-3401, prescription drugs are defined as any drug required by federal law to be dispensed only by prescription. It is vital that these medications are stored securely—ideally in a locked cabinet or lockbox—to prevent unauthorized access.

Unsecured medications pose a severe risk for accidental ingestion by younger children and potential misuse by adolescents. We encourage all families to regularly inventory their medications and safely dispose of any that are expired or no longer needed.

Secure Storage of Firearms and Legal Responsibilities
Virginia Code § 18.2-56.2 establishes the legal responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that firearms are stored in a manner that prevents unauthorized access by minors. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to allow a child under the age of 14 to access a loaded firearm in a manner that endangers their life or limb.

Safe Storage Requirements
To comply with state regulations and to protect your family:

• Store firearm unloaded and in a locked container, such as a gun safe or lockbox.
• Use trigger locks or cable locks as an added layer of security.
• Store ammunition in a separate, locked location away from firearms.

Understanding the Risks: Statistics and Impact
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that firearm-related injuries are a leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States.

• Youth Fatality Rates: According to recent CDC data, thousands of children die annually from firearm-related incidents, including homicides, suicides, and accidental discharges.
• The Role of Firearms in Suicide: Access to unsecured firearms in the home significantly increases the risk of youth suicide. Research indicates that the majority of youth suicides involving firearms occur with a weapon belonging to a family member.
• Accidental Injuries: Many firearm-related accidents involving minors occur when children discover loaded, unlocked firearms in the home.

Resources and Seeking Help
If you are concerned that your child may be a danger to themselves or others, please reach out for professional assistance immediately. Early intervention is key to preventing tragedies.

Mental Health Resources
 • National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7, free, and confidential support.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
• School Support: Contact your child’s school counselor or administrator to discuss available school-based mental health resources.

Tips for Home Safety
 • Regularly talk to your children about the dangers of firearms and prescription drugs.
• Ensure all caregivers, including grandparents and neighbors, follow similar secure storage practices when your child is in their care.
• Through the support of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, gun locks are available for free at each PCS school or School Board Office.

This logo features the Pittsylvania County Schools emblem, combining bold red and blue lettering with an illustration of a school building.

Additional Resources
CDC Statistics
VDOE Caregivers Resources
Project Childsafe

Additional Support
Sovah Health - Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
142 S Main Street, Danville, VA 24541
Phone (434) 799-4450

Danville/Pittsylvania County Community Services Board
245 Hairston Street, Danville, VA 24540
Phone (434) 793-4922
(434) 799-0456