Gun Safety Continued:

If you do not own a gun, talk with your children about the risk of gun injury outside the home in places where they may play or visit. Tell your children to stay clear of guns when they are at their friends' homes and to tell a grown-up immediately if they see one. Talk to the parents of your children's friends to find out if they keep a gun in the home. If they do, verify that it is kept unloaded and locked away where children can't see or touch it. 

All kids should know what to do if they find a gun or if they are with someone who finds a gun.  If they come across a gun at home, they may be tempted to check it out - but they should not.  Instead, they should: 

• STOP! 
• DON'T TOUCH
• REMOVE THEM SELF FROM THE AREA
• TELL AN ADULT

 If a friend wants to show a child a gun, they should say "no" and leave right away if they are close to their home.  Or, they should call their parent for a ride home and talk about what happened as soon as they are picked up.  They should not worry about getting your friend into trouble, as they will be helping to keep their friend safe. 

If someone at school threatens a child, or talks about bringing a gun to school, the child should speak up! They should tell an adult (a teacher, a guidance counselor, or the principal) as soon as possible. If they feel awkward doing this in front of other students, they should ask their teacher for private time or go to the school office to talk to the principal or counselor. And they should tell their mom and dad, who can get in touch with the right person at the school.  Don't feel that you're being a tattletale if you tell an adult that someone is threatening you.  

Always think safety first!