KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

Child-resistant doesn’t mean child-proof. Secure your prescription and over-the-counter medications, including medical cannabis, out-of-reach from young children as well as teens. Child-resistant packaging helps but is no guarantee of safety.

• Properly dispose of expired and unused medications
• Use special care with medications that look like candy
• Call your local Police Department for safe, confidential drop-off bins

LOCK UP AND SECURE YOUR MEDICATIONS

Most teenagers who abuse prescription drugs are given them for free by a friend or relative.

Don’t make it easy. Lock up your meds.

• Keep track of pill quantities
• Properly dispose of unused medications
• Block access to online pharmacies and drug sources
• Participate in county prescription drug take-back days
• Learn the facts on Rx drug abuse
• Talk about it 

How Are Prescription Drugs Abused?

• Taking medication that has been prescribed for somebody else.
• Taking a drug in a way other than prescribed.
• Taking a medication to get high.

How can you keep your home safe?
Start with creating a routine for keeping your family medications secure and safe from children.

• Get involved in your community Prescription Drug Take-Back Days.
• Use Stanilaus County's Drop the Drugs Prescription Drug Disposal Program
• Consider buying a home Medicine Lock Box to secure your medications. Using a medicine lock box or locking cap can help keep your medication secure.

 Adapted from Ventura County Behavioral Health / www.venturacountyresponds.org