SMART WEEK
WHEREAS, in the United States, guns are the primary cause of mortality in children and teens. Almost every day, a child gets ahold of a gun and unintentionally kills or injures themselves or someone else; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 54 percent of gun owners don’t lock all their guns securely, and an estimated 4.6 million children in the United States live in a home with at least one unlocked and loaded gun; and
WHEREAS, tragedy can strike when guns aren’t properly stored ― whether it’s a child inadvertently harming themselves or others or someone stealing and misusing the weapon; and
WHEREAS, there are steps everyone, regardless of gun ownership, can take to ensure kids can’t access guns and endanger themselves or others. Research shows that one of the most effective practices is to implement secure firearm storage by storing all guns unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition; and
WHEREAS, SMART Week raises awareness and promotes five tangible steps following the S MART acronym to reduce child injury and deaths caused by unsecured firearms: Secure all guns in your home and vehicle; Model responsible behavior around guns; Ask about unsecured guns in other homes; Recognize the role of guns in suicide; and Tell others to Be SMART; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto is committed to contributing to public safety, creating a safe environment, and enhancing the well-being of our children.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, do hereby commend the Be SMART program and recognize August 26-30, 2024 as SMART week.
Presented: September 9, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Proclamation