PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A School Committee panel is in favor of the district promoting secure gun storage.

 

On Tuesday, the new Social Emotional Learning and Safety subcommittee referred a presentation and resolution on secure gun storage by the national Be Smart for Kids advocacy group to the full committee.

 

"It's sad we have to do any of these things," member Daniel Elias said.

 

"But the ALICE I think is so worthwhile and this type of gun ownership responsible storage is so worthwhile. It's sad that we have to do either of them but they're both very necessary."

 

ALICE stands for "Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate," a well-known active shooter drill.

 

Patrie Sardo of Be Smart and Vicki Zacharewicz of Berkshire County Moms Demand Actions outlined the prevalence of state and nationwide gun violence incidents and gave recommendations about safe storage to hinder further tragedy.

 

The resolution asks that the committee updates the student handbook with information about parents' legal obligations for secure firearms and that it directs the superintendent to create appropriate communication on the matter.

 

Sardo and Zacharewicz said there were 51 school shootings last year that resulted in injuries or death, including the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers. There were also threats of violence and arrests for firearm possession at various state schools.

 

Additionally, data shows that a high percentage of underage shooters obtain unsecured guns from home or a family member and there has been a surge in gun ownership in the last few years.

 

"We have all been horrified too many times by school shootings," Sardo said.

 

They hope to get gun owners and non-gun owners to work together on a solution to keep kids safe.

 

Sardo said this is a critical message that is often omitted from school communications.

 

"So we are urging you today to add one more component to your school safety strategy," she explained. "Incorporating a proactive message to parents and caregivers, and guardians about secure firearm storage to protect students from potential tragedies."

 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control identifies firearms as the leading cause of death in the nation for children ages one to 18. According to the data, more than 1,800 children are killed every year, an average of five children a day, and if 18- and 19-year-olds are included that number doubles.

 

"Gun violence is a complex issue with many causes," Zacharewicz said. "There is no one solution to reduce gun violence but there are many evidence-based solutions and raising public awareness about the importance of firearm storage is one of those solutions."

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded that the complete absence of guns in the home is the most effective deterrent to preventing firearm-related incidents in children and teens but if there are guns in the home, it strongly recommends that storing guns unloaded and locked with ammunition kept in a separate place is the best way to reduce risks.

 

Massachusetts law states that a gun should be locked and unloaded while in a home and vehicle.  This suggestion just takes it one step further.

 

"It doesn't infringe on anyone's rights and I do believe in general in supporting everyone's individual rights, but also making sure that we're remaining safe," member Alison McGee said, adding that the resolution simply builds upon existing safety standards.

 

This movement began in 2019 and today at least 73 school districts in 17 states have either passed secure storage notification resolutions and/or partnered with Be Smart program.

 

The resolution was approved by the Mount Greylock Regional School District last month.