Parents encouraged to "Ask on ASK Day."

ASK Day is a national day of focus on the lifesaving message of the ASK (Asking Saves Kids) campaign. This is a day to bring special awareness to the injuries and death caused by unintentional gun violence towards children, which occurs far too frequently in this country. ASK Day will take place on Thursday, June 21, the first day of summer, a time of year when children play more often in other homes.

Parents ask all sorts of questions to protect their children when they go play at the home of a friend, neighbor or relative. But there is one important question that more than half of parents say it never even occurred to them to ask: "Is there a gun where my child plays?" Over 40% of homes with children have a gun, and many of those guns are left unlocked or loaded.

Just talking to your child about the dangers of firearms is not enough. Children are naturally curious. If a gun is accessible in someone's home, there is a good chance a child will find it and play with it.

So...ASK if there is a gun before sending your child over to play. If the answer is NO...that's one less thing you have to worry about.

If the answer is YES...You have to determine if your child's safety is at risk. Guns should be kept in a gun safe with the ammunition locked separately – otherwise, they pose a real risk to your child. Hiding guns is not enough. There are countless tragic stories of kids finding guns that parents thought were well hidden or safely stored. If you have any doubts about the safety of someone's home, you should politely invite the children to play at your house instead.

Tips to make ASKing easier.

• ASK with other questions. Include the question along with other things you might normally discuss before sending your child to someone’s house – such as seat belts, animals, or allergies.

• Use the facts. Over 40% of homes with children have a gun and many of those guns are left unlocked and loaded. That’s why you’re asking the question – you just want to make sure that your child is safe.

• Don’t be confrontational. Present your concerns in a respectful manner. You are simply trying to make sure your child is playing in a safe environment.

• Work through groups. Introduce the ASK concept through a group or community effort, such as your religious organization or PTA.

For more information, visit www.askingsaveskids.org.