At Nelson County Public Schools, the safety and well-being of every child is our highest priority. Together with the Nelson County Sheriff's Office, we are committed to partnering with families to provide safe environments where our students can learn, grow, and thrive.
In accordance with Virginia law § 22.1-79.3, we are sharing important reminders about the safe storage of prescription medications and firearms in the home. These simple precautions can help prevent accidents, misuse, and tragedy.
Safely Store Prescription Medications
Prescription medications should always be stored in a secure location, out of the reach of children and others for whom they were not prescribed. We encourage families to keep medications in their original containers, monitor their use, and properly dispose of unused or expired medications through approved disposal programs.
Safely Store Firearms
If firearms are present in your home, Virginia law (§ 18.2-56.2) establishes criminal penalties in certain circumstances when a child gains access to an unsecured firearm. Safe storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings, unauthorized access, theft, and suicide.
We encourage firearm owners to:
-Store firearms unloaded and secured in a locked safe, lockbox, or with a locking device.
-Store ammunition separately in a locked location.
- Ensure that only authorized adults have access to firearms and storage keys or combinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearm injuries remain one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents in the United States. Many of these tragedies involve unsecured firearms found in the home. Safe storage significantly reduces the risk of accidental injury, unauthorized access, and youth suicide.
If you are concerned that your child or another young person may be struggling with their mental health
or may be at risk of harming themselves or others, please seek help immediately by contacting your
child's school counselor, healthcare provider, or by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In an emergency, call 911.
84 Courthouse Square, P.O. Box 276, Lovingston, V A 22949
Telephone (434) 260-7646 ~ Fax (434) 263-7115
www.nelson.k12.va.us Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students and community safe. By securely storing prescription medications and firearms and by maintaining open conversations about safety and mental wellness, we can work together to protect the children of Nelson County.