5.5.0.8: Firearms

Centers should not have any firearms, pellet or BB guns (loaded or unloaded), darts, bows and arrows, cap pistols, stun guns, paint ball guns, or objects manufactured for play as toy guns within the premises at any time. If present in a small or large family child care home, these items must be unloaded, equipped with child protective devices, and kept under lock and key with the ammunition locked separately in areas inaccessible to the children. Parents/guardians should be informed about this policy.

RATIONALE

The potential for injury to and death of young children due to firearms is apparent (1-5). These items should not be accessible to children in a facility (2,3).

COMMENTS

Compliance is monitored via inspection.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

REFERENCES

1. American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention. 2004. Policy statement: Firearm-related injuries affecting the pediatric population. Pediatrics 114:1126.
2. DiScala, C., R. Sege. 2004. Outcomes in children and young adults who are hospitalized for firearms-related injuries. Pediatrics 113:1306-12.
3. Grossman, D. C., B. A. Mueller, C. Riedy, et al. 2005. Gun storage practices and risk of youth suicide and unintentional firearm injuries. JAMA 296:707-14.
4. Katcher, M. L., A. N. Meister., C. A. Sorkness, A. G. Staresinic, S. E. Pierce, B. M. Goodman, N. M. Peterson, P. M. Hatfield, J. A. Schirmer. 2006. Use of the modified Delphi technique to identify and rate home injury hazard risks and prevention methods for young children. Injury Prev 12:189-94.
5. Hemenway, D., D. Weil. 1990. Phasers on stun: The case for less lethal weapons. J Policy Analysis Management 9:94-98.