9.2.3.16: Policy Prohibiting Firearms

Centers should have a written policy prohibiting firearms, ammunition, and ammunition supplies.

Large or small family homes should have a written policy that if firearms and other weapons are present, they should:

1. Have child protective devices;
2. Be unloaded or disarmed;
3. Be kept under lock and key;
4. Be inaccessible to children.

For large and small family homes the policy should include that ammunition and ammunition supplies should be:

1. Placed in locked storage;
2. Separate from firearms;
3. Inaccessible to children.

Parents/guardians should be notified that firearms and other weapons are on the premises.

RATIONALE

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

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.