Dallas Police Chief Issues Statement for National Gun Safety Awareness Day

The Dallas Police Department marked National Gun Safety Awareness Day on Friday with a message from Chief Daniel C Comeaux.

"As we head into the summer, when many of our children are at home, we must ensure that we are doing our part to make our homes and vehicles safe," Comeaux said in the statement, which was posted to social media.

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He continued, "Children are curious and boredom or isolation can pose an additional risk to our children's safety if there is a gun in the home or our vehicles. One thing we can all do is make sure our firearms are stored securely."

He said that last year in Texas there were at least 17 unintentional shootings involving children that resulted in eight deaths.

"Some examples included a 2-year-old boy unintentionally shooting himself and killing himself in a home and a 13-year old boy unintentionally shooting and killing his 14-year-old brother while playing with a rifle," Comeaux said.

That's why it's important to understand what securing a firearms actually means, he said.

"Securing your firearm means unloading it and locking it up," he said. "Not hiding it in a closet or putting it in a nightstand. Securing it in a safe or a lock box, or by using a locking device like a cable lock."

He added that parents should ask others if their guns are secured when their children visit another home.

"The risk of suicide is also something to consider when there is a gun present in the home," he said. "We know that the risk of suicide is at least three times higher for teens living in homes with firearms."

In conclusion, he said, "My colleagues and I have witnessed too many preventable tragedies. Please help us keep our children safe. If you have any questions about securing your firearms, please contact us at the Dallas Police Department."