As we move into the new year, a lot of us are trying out our new gadgets and gizmos that we got as Christmas gifts. For some of us, that means firing a new gun or helping a son or daughter with their first firearm.
That brings to mind an important conversation I strongly recommend that you have with your children. Sharing the steps they should take when they come across a gun could save lives.
Guns are very serious. An accident involving a gun can hurt or even kill you or someone you know. Most adults are allowed to own a gun by law, and many have one. This means that even if there isn’t a gun in your house, you need to know what to do if you see a gun.
· If you see a gun, follow these four steps: 1. Stop. 2. Don’t touch. 3. Get away. 4. Tell an adult.
· When you follow these steps, you’re protecting yourself and helping to keep other people safe.
Here are some tips about what to do in specific circumstances:
· Walk away and tell a parent if your friend shows you his parent’s gun.
· Tell an adult immediately if you see a gun in someone’s backpack at school.
· Tell a trusted adult if you hear a girl or boy say that she or he is going to bring a gun to school.
· Follow the four steps if you find a gun in the park by your house.
· If you’re not sure why a gun is dangerous, talk to a parent about it.