• Police carry guns to keep order and ensure public safety.
• The Military has guns to defend our country.
• Criminals carry guns to intimidate people and to commit crimes.
• Law-abiding citizens own guns for:
• Sport
• Collection
• Protection

Children should know:

• Guns are powerful. Even the smallest handgun can cause severe injury or death.
• Children must UNDERSTAND and FOLLOW safety rules.
• Children must learn how to steer clear of danger. Shootings can be avoided.

• Gun related injuries are the 2^nd leading cause of death among young people over the age of 10.
• Many gun injuries occur in homes and involve people who know each other. Victims are often children playing with guns who assume they aren’t loaded. Everyone should assume all guns are loaded and ready to fire.
• Statistically, injury or death by gunshot is more likely in homes where guns are present.
• Children are naturally curious, they love to explore and experiment. Assume your children know where any "secret hiding places" are in the homes where they live, play and visit.
• Guns are familiar and attractive to children. They see plenty of guns on TV, in movies and in video games. Some children can not tell the difference between real guns and fake ones.
• Guns are readily available.

FOLLOW BASIC RULES OF GUN SAFETY. If you have a gun at home, store it properly. A properly stored gun is one that is:

• Unloaded
• Locked in a gun safe or strongbox or other secured container. (Carry the key with you or keep it in a secure place).
• Stored separately from ammunition (which is locked away).
• Out of sight and reach of children.

GET THE PROPER SAFETY TRAINING. Make sure you are trained in the proper care, handling and use of any weapon you own.If your children have your permission to handle a gun, make sure they:

• Have received safety training from a qualified instructor.
• Only do so under adult supervision.

• Storage and handling.
• Purchase and transfer of firearms.
• Licensing and registration.
• Carrying and transporting firearms.

• Serious injury.
• Permanent disability (life in a wheelchair, for example).
• Death

1. Never touch any gun or bullets. They are not toys. They are not to be touched in any way. Assume all guns are loaded and ready to fire.
2. Leave at once if a gun or bullets are present. If your children see a gun at home, at a friend's or relative's house or school, tell them to get away fast. Go to the nearest safe place, another room, another home, a familiar business, etc.
3. Tell an adult. Tell a parent, teacher, law enforcement officer or other adult right away.

• Share feelings.
• Be alert for signs of depression.
• Set an example by doing the same.
• These may include:
  • Feelings that are bottled up inside.
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities.
  • Could explode violently.
  • Loss of appetite or large increase in Appetite.
  • Headaches, stomachaches and other Physical problems.

• Discuss the dangers of alcohol and other drug use.
• Set a strict no-use policy.
• Be a positive role model. Never abuse alcohol or use illegal drugs yourself.
• Agree to pick up your child if he or she is in a situation where alcohol or other drugs are being used.