Firearm Safety
Many families own guns. If you do choose to own firearms it is important to know how to use and store them safely to prevent injuries and fatalities. Having guns in the home may put children at risk. It may also increase the risk of a family member committing suicide. By following some simple safety measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of a tragedy occurring in your home.
Risk Factors for Accidental Firearm-Related Injury or Death
Risk factors include:
- Easy access to loaded guns
- Children or teens living in homes where there are unlocked and loaded firearms
- Inadequate parental supervision
Did You Know?
In 2017, 285 children accidentally shot themselves or another person with a gun that they found. (American Academy of Pediatrics)
In 2016, almost 23,000 people committed suicide using a firearm. (US Centers for Disease Control)
Prevention Measures for Gun Safety
Safe Storage
Keep the unloaded firearm locked in a cabinet, safe or gun vault.
- Bullets should be stored in a separate locked cabinet or safe.
- Hide the keys to the locked storage cabinets or cases.
ASK (Asking Saves Kids)
National ASK Day is June 21. On ASK Day, the ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Campaign urges parents to ASK if there is an unlocked gun in homes where their children play. By initiating this conversation, you may be helping to prevent a tragedy from occurring.
Education
Educate everyone in your family about firearms safety: Take a firearms safety course, such as the courses offered by the State of Rhode Island and the State of Massachusetts.
Firearm Safety Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/campaigns/gun-safety/Pages/default.aspx
US Centers for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/firearm_mortality/firearm.htm
Safe Kids Worldwide
https://www.safekids.org/tip/gun-safety-tips
Everytown for Gun Safety
https://everytown.org