4.6 million
kids live in a home with a loaded unlocked gun.
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In the United States, 4.6 million children live in homes with access to an unlocked or unsupervised gun. Every year thousands of kids are injured or killed as a result. June 21 marks the first day of summer, a time when many children are out of school, spending more time at home and at the homes of others. Parents ask all types of questions before their children visit other homes. ASK Day is when we remind parents, guardians, and caretakers to add one more question, ask: "Is there an unlocked gun where my child plays?"
It's a simple question, but it could save a life.
Asking about guns in the home is an important step to prevent family fire. Family fire is a shooting involving an improperly stored or misused gun found in the home that results in death or injury. These tragedies are preventable. Parents and caregivers can make a difference by asking this vital question and encouraging others to do the same.
kids live in a home with a loaded unlocked gun.
mistakenly believe their child does not know where their firearm is stored.
are unintentionally injured or killed by family fire.
who said their child never handled guns without supervision were contradicted by their child’s reports.
Easy ways you can ASK about safe firearm storage in your community. Download our resources.
Help spread awareness of ASK Day and the importance of safe gun storage. Together, we can normalize conversations about the risk of improperly stored guns in the home to keep kids safe and end family fire!
Sample Social Posts
Hashtags: #ASKDay #ASKingSavesKids #EndFamilyFire
Accounts to tag: @bradybuzz @endfamilyfire
Why I ASK: Download the poster and customize with a message of why you ask. Take a photo with your sign and share it on social media.
A great way to spread the ASK message is through your local newspaper. Many local and regional news outlets regularly accept letter to the editors (LTEs) and opinion pieces. Use the tips below and the sample letter in this kit to help write an LTE spreading the ASK message.
Letter to the Editor (LTE) Placement Tips:
Incorporate Key Facts and Talking Points:
Spread the ASK message by hosting an event in your community. Engage diverse groups such as pediatricians, public health organizations, education associations, and others who share the goal of keeping kids safe. Reach out to reporters from TV, print, radio, and online outlets. Publicize your event on social media.
Contact Brady's organizing team at [email protected] for assistance with your event or to list your event on Mobilize.
Here are some tips to help you start the ASK conversation about safe firearm storage.
1. Assume that guns are a part of everyone’s life. When bringing your child to another home, ask how their guns are stored, rather than whether or not they have them. Families may respond that they don’t own guns, but, if they do, your question can open the conversation into a larger discussion about the family’s storage practices without making them feel potentially stigmatized for their decision to own firearms.
2. Don't be confrontational. Present information in a respectful manner, emphasizing your concern for your child's safety. Accusing someone of not being responsible could end an important conversation about safe gun storage that we know can save lives. Make sure to come to the conversation with curiosity to learn and offer solutions rather than judgment.
3. Do your research and use the facts. Every day, eight children and teens are unintentionally injured or killed due to an unlocked or unsupervised gun in the home. Most gun owners agree that firearm safety is a critical part of gun ownership. The differences often come down to language and the way we frame these important conversations. Be culturally aware of who you are speaking to and learn how safety is discussed in other communities.
4. Focus on success stories. Kids are curious and get into everything. Be sure to commend gun-owning families for taking the necessary steps to ensure child safety and continue to have discussions as children age. If we are to keep our kids safe from gun injury, all firearms must be locked, unloaded, and with ammunition stored separately. A simple gun lock that may have prevented a toddler’s access to guns will not necessarily prevent a teenager’s.
5. Ask from a place of honesty and respect. These conversations will be most worthwhile when each person is engaged and genuinely willing to listen to one another. We all have a vested interest in protecting our children, but we need to meet each other where we are at. When engaging in conversations about safe gun storage with family and friends, set the tone. Honesty and respect can help to prevent family fire.
A proclamation is an official recognition by a governing body, including a community board, school board, or government official. Proclamations often involve “naming” a day or period of time in recognition – in this case ASK Day.
Having your local school board, neighborhood board, city council, state assembly, or governor proclaim June 21st as ASK Day is an important way to prevent gun-related tragedies and promote safe firearm storage in your community. Be sure to start early! Proclamations need to be internally reviewed, so start the process at least 6 WEEKS before ASK Day.
What You'll Need:
*Many local government offices have specific formats they require for proclamations. Check your local government office’s website before submitting yours.
Steps to Getting a Proclamation:
Making the Most of Your ASK Day Proclamation
Encourage school leaders to engage parents and guardians in conversations about safe firearm storage. Provide our sample letter to parents as an example to aid in your discussion.
President Trump has already taken steps to roll back all of the Biden Administration's progress against gun violence. We cannot let this happen.
Under the Trump Administration, gun homicides soared and firearms became the leading cause of death for kids and teens. Sign the petition NOW to tell Trump not to roll back life-saving policies and put more lives at risk.