It is estimated that about 33% of all households with children ages 18 and under have a gun in the home.
It is very important that we make sure our children know what to do if they happen to find a gun either in the home or outside. Here are some tips from the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program:
- STOP! – This first step is critical. Stopping first allows your child the time he or she needs to remember the rest of the following safety instructions.
- DON’T TOUCH – A firearm that is not touched or disturbed is unlikely to be fired and otherwise endanger your child or other people.
- RUN AWAY – This removes the temptation to touch the firearm as well as the danger that another person may negligently cause it to fire.
- TELL A GROWN-UP – Children should seek a trustworthy adult, neighbor, relative or teacher- if a parent is not available.
We as adults should teach these important points to our children and continue to go over them periodically so they understand that a gun is not a toy and can hurt them.
Gun Safety Series
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The Cleveland Police Foundation, in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police and the Ohio Crime Prevention Association present these tips so citizens can help to make our community safer.