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Safe Storage in Households

As part of our commitment to student safety, we encourage all parents and guardians to securely store any prescription medications and firearms in a locked cabinet that is not accessible to children.
Virginia law establishes parental responsibilities related to the safe storage of firearms and child access to firearms. In accordance with Virginia Code § 22.1-79.3(F), we are providing families with information about the importance of safely storing prescription medications and firearms. 

Safe Storage of Prescription Medications 

Parents and caregivers can help prevent accidental poisoning and medication misuse by following these simple steps:

  • Store prescription medications in a secure location.
  • Store medications in their original labeled containers with child-resistant caps.
  • Never share prescription medications.
  • Safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
  • Talk with children and teens about medication safety.

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 with a firearm safe, locked box, trigger or
    chamber lock.
  • Store and LOCK ammunition in a separate place from your firearms.
  • Remove firearms from your home if you have a depressed or suicidal family member.

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.

Firearm Safety Statistics

  • Firearms are the leading cause of death among Virginia children and adolescents ages 1–17, highlighting the importance of violence prevention, suicide prevention, and safe firearm storage efforts.
  • 15% of Virginia high school students report they could access a loaded firearm without parental permission in less than 10 minutes.
  • Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 1 in 3 deaths among Virginia children and teens (ages 1–17) involved a firearm. Of these deaths, 19.5% were firearm homicides and 11.8% were firearm suicides.
    • Source: Centers for Disease Control

Possible Warning Signs for Danger to Self or Others

  • History of violent or aggressive behavior, suicidal thoughts, discipline problems, or conflicts with authority
  • History of fighting, animal cruelty, vandalism, or property damage
  • Childhood abuse or neglect, including witnessing violence at home
  • Access to or carrying a weapon or a fascination with violence or weapons
  • Impulsiveness or trouble controlling behavior or feelings like anger, loss of temper
  • Increase in moodiness, withdrawal, or isolation, such as withdrawal from friends and usual activities
  • Change in school performance, eating, or sleeping habits
  • Serious or increasing drug or alcohol use
  • Gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang
  • Regularly feeling rejected, alone, hopeless, or a burden to others
  • Lack of empathy for others
  • Having been bullied
  • Planning acts of violence or expressing threats or plans for hurting self or others
  • Expressing thoughts of suicide, death, dying, or the afterlife
  • Giving away important possessions or hinting at not being around in the future or saying good-bye

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. 

Additional Resources


For more information regarding safe storage, relevant Virginia laws, suicide and violence prevention, and resources for families seeking help, please visit the Virginia Department of Education's Parent and Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, and Violence Prevention page.