As parents, we have many responsibilities, but one of the most important is protecting our children from potential dangers—including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Medications, when used properly, help us stay healthy. However, in the wrong hands, they can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, and serious consequences.
The good news is that simple steps can make a big difference in keeping medications safe. At Informed Families, our Lock Your Meds® Campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and helping families take practical steps to protect their children from medication-related risks. Let’s break down some easy ways you can safeguard your home and loved ones.
The most effective way to keep medications out of the wrong hands is to lock them up. Whether it’s your daily prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines, storing them in a secure place is key. Consider using a locking medicine pouch, which is a portable and convenient solution for keeping medications safe.
Our Vaultz® Locking Medicine Pouch is an affordable option for families. These pouches are lightweight, easy to use, and a smart way to ensure that medications are only accessed by responsible adults.
Take inventory of the medications in your home regularly. Use our Home Medicine Inventory Card to keep track of what medications you have on hand. This checklist helps you stay organized and ensures that no expired or unnecessary medications are overlooked.
Once you've taken inventory, it’s essential to safely dispose of expired or unused medications. One of the safest ways to do this is through the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This initiative provides a convenient and secure way to discard medications at designated collection sites. Participating in Take Back Day helps prevent misuse while protecting the environment.
If you can’t make it to a Take Back Day location, check your local pharmacy for disposal kiosks or follow FDA guidelines for at-home disposal, such as mixing certain medications with unappealing substances (like coffee grounds) and sealing them in a container before throwing them away.
Having open, honest conversations with your children about the dangers of misusing medications is essential. Teach them that medicines should only be taken under the supervision of a parent or healthcare professional. Encourage them to ask questions and make it clear that you’re always available to talk.
One great resource for starting meaningful conversations is SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign. This resource provides tools and guides to help parents talk with their children about the dangers of substance use. Open communication is one of the best ways to prevent issues before they arise.
Medication safety is a community effort. Share what you’ve learned with other parents, family members, and friends. Encourage your local schools and organizations to participate in the Lock Your Meds® Campaign to help spread the message even further. Together, we can create a safer community for our kids.
At Informed Families, we believe that protecting our children starts with small, intentional steps. Locking up medications, tracking your inventory, and teaching your children about safety may seem simple, but these actions can save lives.
Let’s work together to create safer homes and communities. For more information and to purchase your own Vaultz® Locking Medicine Pouch, visit our store.
Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our kids safe.
Peggy B. Sapp
President, Informed Families