Demanding action about guns

Like most Jersey Shore natives, I was heartbroken at the news of the mass shooting in Long Branch on New Year’s Eve. Sometimes we forget that even when a gun is legally owned and registered, tragedies like this can happen if a child or teen gains access to an unsecured firearm.

The details of this event are still emerging, but one action that all gun owners can take right now to prevent another tragedy is to make sure their weapons are stored securely, separate from ammunition, and inaccessible to children and teens.

Responsible storage is one of the best ways for a gun owner to be sure that only approved adult members of the household can access their firearms. I urge all lawabiding, responsible gun owners to take this step right now to ensure the safety of their households.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America’s BeSmart Program has been endorsed by the National Parent Teacher Association and provides resources to help families create a dialogue about proper firearm storage. This can be especially helpful when children go into the homes of family members and friends, who may own firearms. Knowing how guns are stored in the homes where children are visiting can be pivotal in preventing an unintentional shooting.

To learn more about how you can prevent tragedies like this from continuing to occur, I urge you to join your local Moms Demand Action chapter and learn more from BeSmartforKids.org.

— Rebecca Jacobsen, Educator Lead, Moms Demand Action of Mercer County