How to Prevent Gun Violence

Gun deaths are the second leading cause of injury deaths in the United States - more than 34,000 Americans are killed by firearms each year. You can help prevent further tragedies by getting involved in this serious issue.

Things You'll Need

• Yellow Pages

Instructions

1. Call your local police department and ask what the scope of gun violence is in your community.

2. Store guns in locked cabinets, with bullets removed and kept in a separate place.

3. Use a trigger lock if you don't have access to proper locked storage.

4. Remind family, friends and neighbors who have guns to take similar precautions.

5. Look in your yellow pages to see if there are any groups working on gun violence issues in your community. Volunteer your time to help with their efforts.

6. Elect legislators who are in favor of responsible gun regulations. Call or write to them periodically to show your support for such policies.

7. Contact national groups that are working on this issue and get involved in their efforts. Some to consider include the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence at www.gunfree.org and the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence at www.handguncontrol.org.

8. Keep your kids safe. American children are 12 times more likely to die from a gun-related injury than children from all other industrial nations combined.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is no group working on gun violence prevention in your community, ask existing religious or civic groups to help you start one.

• Check with your governor's office or look online to find out what gun laws currently exist in your state.

• Consider the fact that gun violence events include domestic disputes, unintentional shootings, suicides and homicides.