Washington, D.C., June 21, 2019 — With eight children and teens being unintentionally shot and injured or killed every day in the U.S., Americans across the country are coming together to protect kids from family fire. June 21st marks the first day of summer and National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day, and Brady is joining with parents, pediatricians, child safety, and public health leaders to encourage parents, guardians, and caretakers to ASK if there is an unlocked gun in the homes where their children play. ASKing about guns in the home is an important way to prevent family fire, by reminding all of us that safe storage of guns in the home saves lives.
Brady President Kris Brown stated,
“Asking about guns in the home can be a daunting task for a parent - and with two daughters of my own, I should know - but it’s a question with lifesaving implications. With eight kids and teenagers falling victim to family fire every single day, it’s too important not to ask about unsecured guns in the homes where our children play. Parents can and should ask about guns every day, but if you aren’t already doing so, ASK Day presents a great opportunity to start. It’s a simple step that can make all the difference in the world.”
Now in its 19th year, the ASK Campaign has inspired parents, caretakers, and teens to ask about unlocked guns in homes. Per Brady’s End Family Fire program, 4.6 million children live in homes with access to an unlocked or unsupervised gun, and 1 in 5 kids have handled a gun when an adult wasn’t around. ASK Day is an opportunity for parents to ask before a playdate - “Is there an unlocked gun in your home?” Just as they would ask about potential allergy issues, pets, or supervision issues, it’s important for parents to ask about guns. It’s equally important for teens to ask on behalf of themselves when babysitting, moving into group housing situations, or even attending events in homes outside their own.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office compared safe storage awareness programs in 2017, finding that ASK and its parent-centered message was the only nationwide program validated as effective.
Brady partners with major public health and child safety organizations in recognition of ASK Day, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National PTA, the American Public Health Association, and the National Association of Social Workers.
For more information about ASK Day and End Family Fire, visitwww.bradyunited.org.
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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