Wake school board approves new safe gun storage initiative
The school board approved a new initiative to help keep children safe from guns. It will include sending information home to families.
Posted — UpdatedThe Wake school board approved a resolution Tuesday supporting safe gun storage. It includes a commitment to regularly send information to families and staff about how to safely store firearms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 156 North Carolina children and teens die each year from gunfire, most in their own homes. Often times, it's the result of a child gaining access to a family member's firearm.
Sheriff Willie Rowe along with representatives from other Wake County law enforcement agencies joined school leaders at the meeting to recognize the importance of educating families about "locking it up."
The school system will also work with law enforcement agencies on hosting events and reach out to families in more creative ways.
"We will make a difference in safe-guarding our students form these preventable, preventable tragedies" Board Chairman Chris Hegearty said.
In the past year, at least three adults have been charged after a student brought a gun into a Wake County school.
Kristin Michaels, Wake County leader of gun safety group Be SMART, said school leaders have needed to do something. Her groups has been presenting at the school board and board members' community advisory groups.
She's excited about the step taken Tuesday. Guns are affecting too many lives, she said, and a lot of prevention is education.
"People don't understand the impact firearms have on children," Michaels said.
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