Tools and Resources
SD4GVP is pleased to provide the following materials that can be downloaded and included in school district communications.
1. Resources Provided by the Federal Government
On June 25, 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a landmark Advisory on Firearm Violence, declaring firearm violence in America to be a public health crisis. Download the Advisory and related resources at https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/firearm-violence/index.html.
On January 25, 2024, the White House announced new executive actions to help promote safe storage of firearms, including provision of the following resources:
· A customizable template that principals and school leaders can use to communicate with parents and families about the importance of firearm storage and to encourage safe storage practices. Download the template at https://rems.ed.gov/docs/Safe-Firearm-Storage.
· A Guide to Safe Storage of Firearms developed by the U.S. Department of Justice. This is the most comprehensive guide on safe storage ever released by the federal government. Download the guide at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DOJ-Safe-Firearm-Storage-Guide.pdf.
In addition, Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education, sent a letter to School Principals and District Administrators suggesting steps to build awareness in their school communities about safe firearm storage. Read the letter at https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/secletter/012524.html.
2. California Department of Education Model Content
On July 29, 2023, the California Department of Education issued a letter to School Superintendents and Principals directing them to the Template Memoranda for Parent/guardian annual notification that satisfies the model content requirement of Assembly Bill 452 and Senate Bill 906.
The templates include memoranda to parents and guardians informing them of the laws in California regarding safe storage of firearms. They are available in English and Spanish at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/vp/ or at the links below.
· Template Memorandum for Safe Firearms Storage – English (DOCX)
· Template Memorandum for Safe Firearms Storage – Spanish (DOCX)
3. Local Ordinance Information
In addition to state laws regarding access prevention and safe storage of firearms, several local communities have passed ordinances to help reduce gun-related deaths and injuries. Families who live in unincorporated areas of San Diego County, or in the cities of San Diego, Encinitas, Del Mar, La Mesa or Solana Beach, have obligations under these additional local ordinances.
Each ordinance has identical key language about a gun owner’s obligations. Specifically, the ordinances require that a person who keeps any type of firearm in their residence or its accessory structures must keep it secured so that unauthorized users cannot access the weapon. The law requires that loaded and unloaded firearms be stored in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock. There is an exception if the firearm is carried on the body of an authorized user or is in the user’s immediate control so that they can readily retrieve and use the firearm.
We suggest that information provided to parents from school districts with families covered by these laws refer to these local regulations as well as state laws in their communications. Sample language is provided here.
Links to local ordinances are here.
4. Information Sheet for Parents
The Learn More About Keeping Kids Safe Information Sheet for Parents refers to several online resources for parents who want to learn more about safe storage. The Information Sheet also includes an explanation of Gun Violence Restraining Orders and contact information for learning more about this important tool that can protect children. This resource also includes important phone numbers for accessing support during times of crisis or potential harm.
5. Sample Email from Superintendent
The following sample letter is for end-of-year outreach to parents. You may copy and paste it into your district’s template.
Dear Families,
Welcome to summer! Please remember that as your kids enjoy the summer, they may be at home or at friends’ homes with less supervision. As the superintendent of your school district, I want you to ask about unlocked guns where your children play. If your child is going on a playdate, always ask, “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?”
Guns are the #1 cause of death for kids in America. In the U.S.:
— 4.6 million kids live in a home with an unlocked, loaded gun
— 8 kids a day are unintentionally injured or killed by firearms
Just as you’d ask about allergies, supervision, and other important safety issues before your child visits another home, add one more question: “Is there an unlocked gun where my child plays?” It’s a simple question, but it has the power to save a life.
Learn more about the importance of safe gun storage at askingsaveskids.org and at endfamilyfire.org #endfamilyfire @endfamilyfire #askingsaveskids #askday @bradybuzz
By ensuring safe firearm storage, we can save lives. Have a wonderful and safe summer!
Sincerely,
Your Superintendent
6. Social Media Templates
Social media is a great place to raise awareness about safe storage and let parents know that their school is willing to partner with them in keeping their children safe. This toolkit includes two Social Media Messaging Templates that can be downloaded and used on any social media site. (Click on link, then right-click and Save As…)
· Safe Storage Saves Kids’ Lives – Suggested text: “Parents have the opportunity – and the obligation – to keep firearms safely stored and out of the hands of children.”
· Be Your Child’s Superhero – Suggested text: “Before you drop off your child at someone’s house, ask if they have firearms, and if they do, whether they are locked and unloaded. Your child is counting on you.”
· Prevent Teen Suicide – Suggested text: “In as many as 75% of youth firearm suicides for which the gun storage method could be identified, the gun was stored loaded and unlocked.” (www.teamenough.org/ending-family-fire)
· Safely Store Firearms – Suggested text: “Don’t let your home be another statistic. Safely store all firearms in your house.” (hhs.gov/sites/default/files/analysis-unintentional-firearm-deaths)
7. Infographic
The Impact of Gun Violence on Children infographic can be posted or distributed to inform parents about the prevalence of gun violence impacting children, and the important role parents can play in keeping children from accessing unsecured firearms.
Page last updated Oct 13, 2024.