Mayor Mike Nelson announced today a new partnership between the City of Edmonds and the Be SMART for Kids program that educates responsible adults on the importance of secure firearm storage in reducing unintentional firearm injuries and deaths.
“In recognition that June is Gun Violence Awareness Month and with the recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas and the credible threat made here at Edmonds Woodway High School, this an urgent reminder that gun violence prevention needs to be at the forefront of our efforts to keep our children safe. Simple steps like securely storing unloaded firearms separately from ammunition has and will prevent the loss of lives. We all can take action to prevent gun violence against our most vulnerable. The Be SMART program provides actionable steps people can take,” says Mayor Mike Nelson.
The city will host several public events to provide community education in collaboration with Be SMART and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America which are currently being planned to be held this summer. Gun locks will be given out for free at these events. More details will be announced soon.
The Be SMART program was launched to raise awareness that secure gun storage—storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition—can save children’s lives. Be SMART emphasizes that it’s an adult responsibility to keep kids from accessing guns, and that every adult can play a role in keeping kids and communities safer.
SMART stands for:
Secure all guns in your home and vehicles
Model responsible behavior around guns
Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes
Recognize the role of guns in suicide
Tell your peers to be SMART
The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. Learn more on their website https://besmartforkids.org/.
Original source can be found here.
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