Dear Editor,

We are all grieved by the news of the murder-suicide in Byron and the unintentional shooting of a teen in Casper. It is always heartbreaking to hear about the death of children. The multiple firearm-related deaths we have had in Wyoming this past week are no exception. 

Spurred by these incidences in combination with the fact that Wyoming has the highest rate of gun suicides, I would like to share some ways to help prevent gun violence. Owning a gun is a personal decision, but secure storage is a public safety issue. It is the responsibility of parents and caretakers to store guns securely, locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. Per the CDC, “Taking into account all types of firearm injuries, including homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages one to 19 in 2020 and 2021.” As caretakers, we have to assume that children and teens can find firearms, no matter how well we think we have hidden them. The secure storage program Be SMART, has five steps we can take to help prevent unintentional shootings from unsecured firearms.

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. You can find more information about Be SMART at besmartforkids.org Secure gun storage can save lives, please be SMART.

https://www.cdc.gov/firearm-violence/php/research-summaries/children-and-teen-impacts.html

Danielle Kay, Torrington