Just talking to your child about the dangers of firearms is not enough. Children are naturally curious. If a gun is accessible in someone's home, there is a good chance a child will find it and play with it.

So...ASK if there is a gun before sending your child over to play.

If the answer is NO...that's one less thing you have to worry about.

If the answer is YES...You have to determine if your child's safety is at risk. Guns should be kept in a gun safe with the ammunition locked separately or they pose a real risk to your child. Hiding guns is not enough. There are countless tragic stories of kids finding guns that parents thought were well hidden or safely stored. If you have any doubts about the safety of someone's home, you should politely invite the children to play at your house instead.

Tips to make ASKing easier

• ASK with other questions. Include the question along with other things you might normally discuss before sending your child to someone's house - such as seatbelts, animals, or allergies.  

• Use the facts. Over 40% of homes with children have a gun. Many of those guns are left unlocked and loaded. That is why you are asking - you just want to make sure that your child is safe.  
• Work through groups. Introduce the ASK concept through a group of community effort such as a religious organization or PTA.  

• Don't be confrontational. Present your concerns in a respectful manner. You are simply trying to make sure your child is in a safe environment. Use the ASK brochure to open the dialogue.

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