Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children and teenagers. When I see you in the office I talk about car seats, bike helmets, teenage drivers etc. but then I always run out of time to talk about gun safety. Quite frankly, guns freak me out but I realize that guns are important to many people so let's talk about how to keep your child safe.
First of all, think carefully about whether you really need a gun or not. The easiest way to keep your child safe is to have no firearms in the house.
Second, if you do have a gun please store it unloaded and locked with the ammunition locked separately.
Third, ask if guns are present in the homes where your child is babysat or plays. If there are firearms there that are not safely stored consider having playdates at your house instead. My daughter tells me that I worry about her too much. I tell her that I trust her to make good choices but that someone else's choices can effect or hurt her. Such as a teenager who pulls out a parent's gun to show it off and someone accidently gets shot.
Fourth, remember that BB guns can be deadly as well. I have seen serious injuries from what is often considered a "safe" gun.
No comments:
Post a Comment