Noting that firearm-related injuries are currently the greatest cause of mortality for children and teens in the United States, MCPS sent out the following reminder to families and students, highlighting the significance of safe gun storage.The message encourages families to adopt these practices and take into consideration gun buyback programs by highlighting data demonstrating that keeping firearms empty, locked, and with ammo secured separately considerably minimizes hazards.
Dear Families and Students,
We would like to bring your attention to a serious problem that is hurting our children’s safety and wellbeing as the new school year gets underway. One of the main causes of death for children and teenagers (ages 1 to 19) in the US is firearm-related injuries and fatalities.
Why Proper Gun Storage Is More Important Than Ever
Approximately three million young people are exposed to gun violence annually, and nearly 22,000 children and teens are shot or injured by weapons. Indeed, over 4.6 million youngsters reside in households where firearms are kept, loaded, and unlocked.
According to research, the chance of unintended injuries is reduced by 85% and the risk of self-inflicted gun injuries by 78% when firearms are stored unloaded, locked, and without ammo.The majority of unintentional shootings involving children take place at home, sometimes as a result of a child discovering an unlocked, loaded gun. Most of these weapons are accessible from sleeping quarters or nightstands.
How Everyone Can Contribute to the Safety of Children
Families are essential to a child’s safety. The following safe storage procedures are highly recommended for all households:
- Use gun safes, lock boxes or trigger locks
- Keep firearms unloaded
- Store ammunition in a separate and locked location
We Can Save Lives Together
As a responsible and secure method of getting rid of unwanted firearms, community members ought to think about taking part in gun buyback programs. Visit gunbuyback.org to learn more and locate buyback options in your area.
To assist lower the likelihood of unintentional shootings, self-harm, and youth violence, kindly perform these actions right now.
