Chesapeake Public Schools is committed to providing safe and secure environments for our students and staff. Virginia law now requires school divisions to share information with families about the safe storage of prescription medications and firearms.
Applicable Laws
Virginia Code § 54.1-3401 defines prescription drugs as any drug required by federal law to be dispensed only by prescription.
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.
Safely Store Prescription Medications
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications should be stored securely to prevent accidental ingestion or unauthorized access by children.
Families are encouraged to:
Keep prescription medications in their original child-resistant containers ideally locked securely
Avoid leaving medications unattended in purses, cars, or other areas children can access
Monitor quantities of medication and keep track of dosages and amounts remaining for prescription medications
Do not keep unused or expired medications at home. Families are reminded to dispose of medications safely.
Safely Store Firearms
Virginia law places responsibility on firearm owners and others who possess firearms to take appropriate precautions to prevent children from accessing them. Under Virginia Code, a person who recklessly leaves a loaded firearm where it could endanger a child under age 14 may be subject to criminal penalties when the firearm is not properly secured and other requirements of the law are met.
Families are encouraged to:
Store unloaded firearms in a locked gun safe and kept separate from ammunition
Ensure firearms are equipped with a trigger/cable lock
Talk to children about never touching a firearm and tell a trusted adult if they find one
Before allowing your child to visit another home, ask about firearm access and storage practices
Why Safe Storage Matters
According to national data, secure storage of firearms and medications can help save lives. Firearms can cause fatal or life-altering injuries when accidentally discharged or accessed by someone who is not authorized to use them.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Firearm injuries are among a leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States
Most youth firearm deaths are the result of suicide or homicide
Secure storage reducues the risk of unintentional discharge or suicide
Community Resources and Student Support
We are proud to partner with various community organizations to provide support and programs for families to increase awareness and ensure the health, safety and welfare of all students. If you need additional support for your child, please visit our Student Wellness webpage. Our Student Assistance Program (SAP) also provides comprehensive behavioral and mental health and telehealth services to students and families at no cost.