Advocate for change by improving safety, reducing risk.
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It’s an all too familiar story. Mass shooting. Gun suicide. Domestic violence. Children, parents, and communities, ripped apart in seconds. Often times, preventable. Children & teens living in a home with an unsecured gun. Gun stolen from an unlocked car. Absence of red flag laws. Online warning signs. Alcohol & drugs. Stray bullet.
Gun Violence Stats for Tennessee:
- Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Tennessee.
- Tennessee has the11th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US
- Tennessee has more guns stolen from cars than any other state in the US.
- Gun suicide accounts for 57% of total gun deaths.
Action steps:
- Lock and securely store firearms in your house or car. First, remove ammunition. Then, apply a lock and securely store the weapon. Store ammunition separately. This keeps guns out of the hands of curious children, teens, criminals, and anyone who may be in the midst of a suicidal crisis. For more information, visit the BeSMART for kids webpage at besmart.org.
- Ask friends and family about secure firearm storage in their homes. Talk with teens. Sample texts and conversations can be found at besmart.org
- Learn more about preventable gun deaths in your state by visiting Everytown.org.
- Follow Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense or Students Demand Action for Gun Sense on Facebook and Instagram. Share helpful information on your social accounts.
- Support Moms Demand and Students Demand by texting LOVE to 644-33.
- Vote for Gun Sense candidates at the local, state, and federal level. Visit gunsensevoter.org for Tennessee candidates running with this distinction.