RULES FOR KIDS

Adults should be aware that a child could discover a gun when a parent or any other adult is not present. This could happen in the child’s own home; the home of a neighbor, friend or relative; or in a public place such as a school or park. If this should happen, a child should know the following rules and be taught to practice them.

1. Stop

The first rule for a child to follow if he/she finds or sees a gun is to stop what he/she is doing.

2. Don’t Touch!

The second rule is for a child not to touch a gun he/she finds or sees. A child may think the best thing to do if he/she finds a gun is to pick it up and take it to an adult. A child needs to know he/she should NEVER touch a gun he/she may find or see.

3. Leave the Area

The third rule is to immediately leave the area. This would include never taking a gun away from another child or trying to stop someone from using gun.

4. Tell an Adult

The last rule is for a child to tell an adult about the gun he/she has seen. This includes times when other kids are playing with or shooting a gun.
Please note that, while there is no better advice at this time for children or adolescents who encounter a gun by happenstance, the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians reports that such warnings alone may be insufficient accident prevention measures with children and adolescents.

Self Test

1. Toddlers lack the strength to pull the trigger of a firearm. (page 8)
True False

2. You may face misdemeanor or felony charges if you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it. (page 8)
True False

3. There is no such thing as being too careful with children and guns. (page 8)
True False

4. An important lesson children should learn is that guns are not toys. (page 9)

True False

5. The four safety “Rules for Kids”
if they see a gun are: (page 9)
A. B. C. D.
6. Child safety precautions only apply if you have children. (page 8)
True False