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Is there a gun where my child plays? Over 40% of homes with children
have a gun. Just talking to your child about the dangers of firearms is not enough. Children are naturally curious. If a gun is accessible in someone’s home, there is a good chance a child will find it and play wit it. So…ASK your neighbor if they have a gun before sending your kids over to play. If the answer is NO…that’s one less thing you have to worry about. If the answer is YES…you need to make absolutely sure that all guns are stored unloaded and locked – ideally in a gun safe – with ammunition locked separately. Hiding guns is not enough. There are countless tragic stories of kids finding guns that parents thought were well hidden. If there are any doubts about the safety of someone’s home, you should invite the children to play at your house instead. Tips to make ASKing
easier: ASK with other questions. Include the question along with other things you might normally discuss before sending your child to someone’s house – such as seat belts, animals, or allergies. Use the facts. Over 40% of homes with children have a gun and many of those guns are left unlocked or loaded. That’s why you’re asking the question – you just want to make sure that your child is safe. Work through groups. Introduce the ASK concept through a group or community effort, such as your religious organization or PTA. Don’t be confrontational. Present your concerns in a respectful manner. You are simply trying to make sure your child is playing in a safe environment. Courtesy of ASK: Asking Saves Kids Visit pax.com or
call 212-983-8705 for more information |