Lock It Up, Lead by Example: Summer Substance Safety for Families

Summer in Boone County means backyard barbecues, pool parties, and family gatherings. While we're enjoying the season, it's important to keep our homes safe, especially when it comes to storing alcohol and cannabis products away from children and teens. As a parent or caregiver, you hold incredible power to prevent underage drinking and substance use—and the steps you take today can protect your family all season long.

Why Summer Safety Matters More

During summer months, our homes see more visitors, kids spend more time at home, and we tend to relax our routines. This creates perfect conditions for accidents. The numbers tell the story: poison control centers report 23% more alcohol-related calls during summer, and nearly 40% involve children under 12.

Alcohol Safety: Beyond the Obvious

Your influence in preventing underage drinking is more powerful than peer pressure, social media, or any other factor in your teen's life. Every year, 4,000 people under 21 die from alcohol-related causes, and 1 in 4 parents report that kids can easily access alcohol at home. Teen alcohol poisoning ER visits spike during summer months, but here's the empowering truth—you can prevent your family from becoming part of these statistics by storing your alcohol safely. 

• Lock up all alcoholic drinks in cabinets kids can't reach

• Use child proof locks on liquor cabinets and wine fridges

• Store household products with alcohol (sanitizer, mouthwash) securely

• Never leave drinks unattended during parties

• Throw away empty bottles immediately

• Use a locked cooler for outdoor events

Cannabis Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Cannabis is now in many homes, but today's products are much stronger than before. THC levels have jumped from 4% in 1995 to over 15% today, with some products reaching 90% THC. Cannabis ER visits for kids increased 75% since 2017, with 80% of child cannabis poisonings coming from edibles that often look like regular candy. To prevent teen use or accidental ingestion, secure your cannabis.

• Use child-resistant containers that kids can't see through

• Lock products in a separate box or safe

• Keep original packaging and labels

• Store edibles away from regular food

• Never leave products in hot cars

• Use a locked room if possible

Summer Party Safety: Your Actions Speak Loudest

Your teens are watching everything you do, and your relationship with alcohol and substances sends powerful messages about what's acceptable and normal. The good news? You have complete control over the example you set, and responsible modeling is one of your most effective tools for preventing underage drinking and substance use.

If You Choose to Drink

• Drink in moderation and never to excess in front of your teens

• Don't drive after drinking—use rideshares or designated drivers

• Avoid using alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions

• Don't glamorize drinking or make it seem necessary for fun

• Be honest about hangovers and negative consequences when they occur

Staying Drug-Free

• Avoid using illegal drugs entirely, including recreational cannabis (which remains illegal in Kentucky)

• Use prescription medications only as prescribed and store them securely

• Don't share prescription medications with others

• Discuss why you make these choices with your teens

Remember, you're not just their parent—you're their first and most influential role model for how adults handle substances responsibly.

Know the Warning Signs of an Emergency 

Call 911 if someone shows signs of alcohol poisoning:

• Confusion or can't stay awake

• Vomiting or seizures

• Slow breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute)

• Won't wake up

• Cold, clammy skin

Get help immediately if someone has signs of cannabis overdose:

• Extreme drowsiness

• Trouble breathing

• Fast heartbeat

• Severe anxiety or paranoia

• Won't stop vomiting

Making Boone County Safer Together

You have the power to protect your family this summer. Your influence matters more than you know, and every safety measure you implement helps keep our whole community safer. This summer, let that power shine through every action you take and every conversation you have with your teens. The Boone County Alliance is here to help. We provide education and resources to support families. Together, we can make sure this summer is both fun and safe for everyone.

Emergency Contacts:

• Emergency Services: 911

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

• SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357