Unused and expired medications in a household can lead to some serious safety hazards. Since 1999, nearly 4,500 North Carolinians have died from unintentional prescription poisoning and the numbers continue to rise.

With the goal of ending such tragedies, an upcoming event will give the public a good opportunity to dispose of those unneeded medications.

Operation Medicine Drop will be held Monday, March 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Apex Wal-Mart. The event is being held by NC Safe Kids, Wal-Mart, Apex police and fire departments, and the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

The event offers area residents a free and convenient option for disposing of their expired, unused prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications. Biohazard materials will not be accepted.

“It’s a good way for people to get rid of those medications,” said Lt. Howard Miles of the Apex Fire Department. “They can just bring it to us and we’ll dispose of them.”

With accidental poisonings becoming more common statewide, Miles said the fire department would like to hold Operation Medicine Drop at least twice a year in town.

“If it is successful and a lot of people use it then we would definitely like to hold it more than just once a year,” said Miles. “We already hold car seat and fire prevention events and this would just add to it. These events keep us involved in the community and show our commitment and concern for the safety of both children and adults.”