We’re often reminded of the dangers of storing hazardous materials in our homes.

It’s not likely that many of us would consider medications as hazardous material. Yet, they can be lethal if taken by the wrong person or in unintended doses.

Do we consider the consequence of someone accidentally taking a medication no longer needed, or intended for someone else in the family?

Might a child be visiting our home and curious about what’s in that little bottle someone left on the kitchen counter or tossed into a wastebasket? Do we consider the adverse effects on the environment when we flush unused medications down the drain?

These are things that happen every day in millions of households.

On April 27, there will be an opportunity to drop off any unused prescription or over-thecounter medications for proper disposal.

Once again, local law enforcement agencies and Merrymeeting Bay Triad are participating in a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency-sponsored nationwide collection of medications for proper disposal.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 27, you may bring unwanted medications to the McLellan Bldg., 85 McLellan St., Brunswick; West Bath Fire Department, State Street; Richmond Senior Center, Front Street; Harpswell Town Office; and Topsham Town Office.

Michael W. Wardrop, DEA’s resident agent in Portland, said Maine’s September 2012 collection was the largest in New England and, per-capita, the fifth largest in the nation.

With your help, we can make Maine a safer place. For information, visit www.merrymeetingbaytriad.org or call 373-6958.

CONNIE LEWIS is vice president of Merrymeeting Bay Triad, a local group promoting senior citizen safety.