Opening Statement:
National SAFE Day is a reminder to keep our loved ones safe and sound at all times. FACT…In case those reading this article are not aware, one in three households in America owns a firearm. The question that arises here often is… how many of these households make sure that their firearms are stashed away safely and out of reach of children. Sadly, the resulting of child injuries and deaths owing to unsafe firearm placement show that many of these households do not take firearm safety into serious consideration. Every year, on June 4, nationally, a safety campaign is held not only to raise awareness about firearm safety but also to remember the many children who have died because of unsafe firearm storage.
History Of National Safe Day
· The National SAFE Day was first honored in 2016 by the Brooklynn Mae Mohler Foundation (BMMF). The foundation was established after the death of Brooklynn Mae Mohler. Brooklynn was visiting her best friend at her residence when the latter found a gun kept in a kitchen cabinet. Brooklynn’s best friend, unaware of the firearm’s safety being unlocked, played with the gun and accidentally fatally shot Brooklynn. To honor Brooklynn and children like her, National SAFE Day was started by Brooklynn’s parents, Darchel and Jacob. It is also a reminder to keep our children safe from any future accidents.
· To prevent accidental shootings, always make sure that you have stored your firearms out of reach of children. A firearm should always be unloaded when not in use. Always use a gun locking device to make the firearm inoperable when it is not in use or is stored.
· These safety tips are in line with what the acronym, SAFE, stands for: Secure All Firearms in The Home
1. Ask the question about unsecured firearms in the homes your child visits.
2. Frequently talk to your children about the dangers of firearms.
3. Educate and Empower others to be SAFE.
Important Questions and Facts
· What Is the Golden Rule of Gun Safety?
According to the Washington Gun Law website, you should “Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it. Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy.”
· Can A Gun Fire Without Pulling the Trigger?
There is always a possibility that the gun can fire at any time, even if you haven’t touched the trigger. So always make sure to only turn the safety ‘off’ if you are ready to fire.
· What Are the Main Causes of Firearm Accidents?
Firearm accidents are caused mainly by the lack of gun maintenance, lack of training, or lack of firearm safety awareness.
How To Observe National Safe Day
· Store Your Firearms Safely
Always safely store your firearms. Firearms should be unloaded, have safety locks in places, and, most importantly, always kept guns out of reach of children.
· Enquire About Firearm Safety In Other Households
If your child is going over to a friend’s house, call ahead and ask the parents/guardians about firearms and how they have stored them. If their safety measures meet the standards, only then should you allow your child to go. It is better to be safe than sorry.
· Follow SAFE
Learn about SAFE, and follow the instructions to the T. Safely store your firearms, ask questions about firearm safety in the households of your child’s friends, and educate family and friends about firearm safety.
Facts About Gun Violence
· About 44% of homicides in the world involve some form of gun violence.
· 2 million people worldwide are living with firearm injuries.
· Each year, 45,000 American people die due to pancreatic cancer, and this number is closely followed by the 40,000 people killed by gunshots each year.
· Each day, eight children die while another 32 are injured because of being shot by a firearm.
· Deaths caused by firearms are at a rate three times higher than deaths caused by drowning.
Closing Statement and Recap:
The primary agenda of National SAFE Day is to continuously reiterate the importance of firearm safety. Safety measures must be always followed to lead a happy and safe life for everyone. This day gives us a reminder of our loved ones’ safety. This is especially true with the children in our lives, who are our precious gems that deserve to be protected from all dangers. This is why it is very important to follow all the SAFE protocols to keep our children safe from firearm-related accidents. FACT…For every child death due to firearms, five children are injured non-fatally. FACT… Firearms are the second leading cause for children’s deaths as a recent 2018 study, it was revealed that, after car crashes, firearms are the second leading cause of children’s deaths. I’m sure everyone can agree that life is an invaluable gift. Life brings many joys and experiences, and it is for these very reasons that we must do everything to protect it at all costs. Practice and preach safety with your family, friends, co-workers, etc. on a continued basis, not just on this day!
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Printed Marketing
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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