SAFE STORAGE
Alcohol, Marijuana & Prescription Medication
Most Hastings youth make the healthy decision not to use drugs and alcohol. However, 68% of Hastings High school youth report it would be easy for them to obtain alcohol, and 45% report it would be easy to obtain marijuana. For students who report using alcohol in the past 30 days, about 40% report getting it from their homes. 2026 Youth Survey Data
Availability of substances is one of the most consistent predictors of substance use among youth, and by reducing access to substances in your home, you can prevent accidental and intentional use by young people. Additionally, young people who report a close connection with their caregivers and an understanding of their family values are less likely to use substances. Parent Support
1. Safely store substances
You already store things like cleaning supplies and dangerous tools in a safe place away from kids. Treat substances the same way. Lock marijuana, alcohol, medications, cigarettes and vaping products in a cabinet, box, or drawer. For more information on safe medication and marijuana storage see Resources
Hastings WAY Coalition has free locking pouches for medication/marijuana storage and locking pill dispensers.
2. Dispose of Expired or Unused Medications
- The Hastings Police Department has a medication drop box in their lobby that is available 24/7.
- Hastings participates in DEA Drug Take Back Day’s on the last Saturday of April and October at the VFW Plaza from 10-2
Hastings WAY Coalition has free Deterra Drug deactivation bags.
Gun Safety
The Hastings Police Department has free gun safety locks. Contact them (478-2344) to obtain one. See our Resources page for more information safe gun storage, responsible gun ownership and how to protect children from firearms.
Virtual Narcan Training
Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it works by temporarily blocking opioid effects on the brain, restoring breathing and consciousness in people experiencing an overdose. Opioid overdoses often occur quickly and can be fatal within minutes if left untreated. With opioids like fentanyl increasingly being found in other substances, the risk of overdose is higher than ever, even for those who may not realize they are consuming an opioid.
Narcan is a safety tool, no different from carrying a fire extinguisher or learning CPR—it’s there to prevent a crisis from turning fatal.
Click Here to register for a free Virtual Narcan Training. All who complete the training will receive a free Narcan kit.
