Gun Safety for families

Katie Faragher, CPNPFrom the desk of Nurse Practitioner                      Katie Faragher:Americans everywhere are affected by the tragedies that have resulted from gun violence.  Umpqua Community College, Sandy Hook Elementary School, and Columbine High School are among many schools in the United States that have been terrorized by gun violence.  Unintentional  shootings are also occurring at alarming numbers; causing  209 deaths among children in the United States this year alone.  Firearms kill about seven children per day in the United States alone. Half of the homes in the United States own firearms and it is estimated that almost 8.7 million children and adolescents have access to handguns.  In fact, more than one third of all accidental shootings take place in the home of friends, relatives, or neighbors.  Injuries and deaths caused by gun violence can be reduced with gun safety awareness and prevention.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for gun safety are outlined below.“The best way to keep your children safe from injury or death from guns is to NEVER have a gun in the home (AAP, 2015)”. Do not purchase a gun.Remove all guns from homes.Ask the adults in the homes where your children are playing if they have guns and if so, how they are stored.Remember, children are curious and childlike and simply do not understand the dangers of ...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Safety Source Type: news