THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 1996 TAG: 9603200012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Regarding ``Gun-safety education'' (letter, March 6):
Another gun-safety program is available. The Norfolk Academy of Medicine Alliance started such a program last October. We incorporate brochures created by the American Academy of Pediatricians and the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence with information about trigger locks, and we are working with local pediatricians, PTAs and community-health nurses to pass on the information.
We urge parents who own guns and have unattended children at home to put trigger locks on their guns. If the child finds the gun, he still won't be able to fire it unless he also finds the key to the lock - which the parent should have on his person.
Just as important: Every parent whose children play at friends' homes should ask those parents (1) if they have a gun and (2) if so, how it is secured.
If guns are present and not locked up with a trigger lock on, never allow your child to play there unless attended at all times by an adult. Don't let your discomfort at asking such questions prevent you from doing so; you may save your child's life.
WENDY POCKLINGTON PARKER
Co-president
Norfolk Academy of Medical Alliance
Norfolk, March 6, 1996 by CNB