National SAFE Day is observed on June 4th to raise awareness and prevent accidental shootings involving young people. Unfortunately, most recent data shows that approximately 48,000, almost 132 people a day, died from firearm injuries in the United States. The second-highest total ever recorded. More alarmingly, firearms were the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1-17. National SAFE Day’s purpose is to educate people about the importance of practicing firearm safety and to remind them of the deadly impact firearm carelessness can have on people, families, and communities. National SAFE Day’s acronym, SAFE, is a reminder of what it means to be a responsible gun owner and how parents can advocate for their children’s safety.
S – Secure all firearms in the home
A – Ask the question about unsecured firearms in the homes your child visits
F – Frequently talk to your children about the dangers of firearms
E – Educate and empower others to be SAFE
- Safely secure all firearms when not in use, unloaded with safety locks in place, and most importantly, out of reach of children at all times. Utilizing a locked firearm safe or case or a locking mechanism operating with a key or combination is smart. Hiding a firearm is NOT enough!
- Before your child visits a friend’s or relative’s house, ask whether they have firearms in the home and how they store them. Though this can be a sensitive conversation, “better safe than sorry” is always a good plan when a child’s safety is involved.
- Regardless of your ideas, talk to your children about the dangers of firearms. Firearms are simple machines that can cause serious bodily injury or death. Teach your children to reach out to an adult if they see or find a firearm and never touch the firearm.
- Adult firearm owners need to be familiar with their firearm, learn how it functions, take training to ensure they can use it properly, and always store it safely.
