Every year across the nation, thousands of children are treated in emergency rooms for medication-related poisonings that often occur when they find and ingest drugs that are not stored securely.
Safely storing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other potentially dangerous substances is key to protecting children and adults.
By keeping medications out of reach and sight, and ensuring they are securely stored (even at a friend or family member’s home), we can reduce the risk of these preventable emergencies and protect our children.
Did you know?
More children are seen in emergency rooms for accidental medication overdoses than for motor vehicle occupant injuries.
Source: SafeKids
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
- What should I do if I see someone who may be experiencing symptoms of a medication overdose?
-
Remain calm.
- Call 9-1-1 if the victim has collapsed or is not breathing.
- If you suspect an opioid overdose, the Washington State Department of Health recommends to call 9-1-1 immediately and administer naloxone, if available.
- Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the 9-1-1 operator.
- Washington Poison Center – The Poison Center offers immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance 24/7/365 by calling: 1 (800) 222-1222.
- How do I securely store prescription and over the counter medication?
-
Medications should be stored in their original containers and kept out of sight and reach of children, ideally in a locked cabinet or box. Use child-resistant caps and avoid leaving medications on counters or in easily accessible locations.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Washington State Department of Health offer guidelines and tips for secure storage, helping ensure that children and others cannot accidentally access these potentially dangerous substances.
- Medication Safety Tips | Washington Poison Center – This site provides information on keeping medications out of reach and properly secured to prevent accidental poisoning in children and youths.
- Up & Away | Put Your Medicines Up and Away and Out of Sight of Children – This site reminds families about the importance of safe medicine storage. It is an initiative of PROTECT, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health in Hand and other organizations.
- Where can I safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications?
-
Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is key to preventing misuse or accidental ingestion. Washington state’s Safe Medication Return program allows residents to return unwanted medications at designated locations across the state. The Safe Drug Disposal Finder also helps locate nearby disposal sites.
- What are my resources?
-
- Storage & Disposal | it starts with one| GetTheFactsRX – This site provides comprehensive information on safe medication storage and disposal, including a checklist for keeping your home safe.
- For Our Lives | ForNativeLives – This site focuses on safe storage and disposal practices within Native communities, offering tailored resources and support.
- Facts for Teens | WAPC – Everything teens need to know about the Washington Poison Control Center.
- Where can I learn more?
-
- CDC Resources on Medication Safety – Offers information on preventing medication overdoses and ensuring safe use and storage of medications.
- Resources for Teens: Recorded Discussions Around Substance Use - YouTube – A video playlist for youth created by the Poison Control Center. Each video explores stressors impacting youth and shares resources available to them.
Safety Study Hall Topics
![Prescription and OTC drugs in a secure box.](/sites/default/files/2024-08-images/HB-1230-lockdrugs.png?uid=66db3114e011e)
You are on this page
Questions?
Please contact us at k12engagement@doh.wa.gov or call the DOH information line 1-800-525-0127.
Additional Resources
K-12 School Resources - Washington State Department of Health