COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — According to CDC statistics, firearms are the leading cause of death among children in America.
In addition, more than 700 children die by firearm suicide each year in the United States.
“We often talk about a generation being lost to gun violence. With initiatives like BE SMART, we can change that trend,” said Chief Skip Holbrook of the Columbia Police Department.
BE SMART is a campaign launched in 2015 to promote responsible gun ownership.
This also includes storing weapons safely and preventing them from falling into the hands of children.
“We know that firearms in the hands of children and young adults can have devastating consequences. They make emotional decisions to resolve a conflict with a gun,” Holbrook said. “They may also encounter an unsecured gun and that can change their lives forever.”
BE SMART is about more than just personal responsibility. It also aims to educate others about the dangers of gun violence and unsecured firearms.
On Monday, the city of Columbia announced its first SMART Week.
“Understand where your kids are. Understand where your guns are,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Make sure they're locked away and not left unsecured in your car. These are small actions that make a big difference.”
The BE SMART campaign is just one way Soda City officials are fighting violent crime.
“This includes the creation of a violent crime prevention agency, the passage of South Carolina's first ordinance addressing lost or stolen firearms reporting, and the 'Lock 'Em Up' campaign,” said Dr. Aditi Bussell of the Columbia City Council.
BE SMART has also partnered with school districts not only in Columbia, but throughout the Midlands.
“As part of our commitment to our students and citizens of Fairfield County, we are working with agencies to ensure our students learn well and are safe,” said Dr. Tony Hemingway, Superintendent of the Fairfield County School District.
For more information, contact BE SMART or the City of Columbia.
