The safety of our students, families, and communities is a priority. As we head into the winter break, we encourage you to ask about the presence of unsecured guns in any home your child visits. Assume children and teens can find guns. Store firearms locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition.
In 2020, gun sales increased 64%. Owning a gun is a personal decision, but secure storage is a public safety issue. Kids and unsecured guns are a potentially lethal combination. Each year in the U.S., nearly 350 children ages 17 and under gain access to a firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. Every year, nearly 700 children, 17 and under, die by suicide with a gun.
Approaching the winter break, we wish everyone a safe and restful time with loved ones.
Resources for talking about gun safety:
- Holiday tips for visiting friends and families from Be SMART
- Debunking Gun Myths at the Holiday Table
- Asking About Secure Gun Storage