Meredith Davenport
Special to The View
Editor’s note: In this final article by Wimberley resident Meredith Davenport, obstetrician, gynecologist and mother of three children, Davenport sums up her four-part series on gun safety using the Be SMART framework as summer 2025 begins and more kids spend time in homes. Take a few minutes to review this timely message.
Firearms are the leading cause of death in children and teens in the United States. Each of us can make a difference in our community by securely storing firearms to prevent access by children and teens.
Data shows secure storage reduces the risk of firearm homicides, unintentional firearm deaths and firearm suicide in youth. It can also help prevent school shootings, as most shooters under age 18 acquired firearms from the home of a parent or relative.
Over the past few weeks, we have covered the Be SMART program, an educational initiative aimed at adults to help prevent child gun deaths. Let’s walk through the frame- work before focusing on the final step.
S: Secure guns in homes and vehicles
We covered the importance of secure firearm storage in homes and vehicles, highlighting options that allow access to a firearm within seconds while preventing unsupervised access to a child or teen. Summer is an ideal time to reassess your secure storage practices. Consider upgrading to a gun safe for hand guns and long guns, making sure your child cannot access keys or the unique entry code you have chosen that your child does not know.
If you choose to have firearms in your home, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following steps to prevent child access: 1. Unload all firearms, including chambered rounds 2. Lock firearms securely 3. Store ammunition separately under lock and key It is important to be aware that Texas Penal Code 46.13 makes it a crime if a child under age 17 accesses a readily dischargeable firearm due to an adult’s failure to secure it.
M: Model Responsible Behavior
The Be SMART perspective is that we believe it is always an adult’s responsibility to prevent unauthorized access to a firearm, rather than a curious child’s responsibility to avoid guns.
I’s important to have ongoing, age-appropriate conversations with your child about what to do if they come across a gun, even one that looks like a toy. Teach them to stop, not touch it, and tell a grown-up.
A: Ask About Unsecured Guns in Other Homes
Before your child visits another person’s home, including the homes of friends, neighbors or family members, ask, “Do you have any unsecured firearms in your home?”
The answer to this simple question allows you to make the most informed decision for your own child’s safety. And it allows the person whose home you are visiting, including family members, a chance to make the home safer for your child.
R: Recognize the Role of Guns in Suicide
Having access to a firearm increases the risk of youth firearm suicide. The secure storage of firearms reduces this risk.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7, free, confidential and valuable resource for anyone in crisis. Callers can call, text, and chat, with chat available at 988lifeline.org. Veterans can dial 988, then press “1”, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
T: Tell Everyone You Know to Be SMART I believe we all want the kids in our community to be safe, and change starts with us.
I encourage you to look at the Be SMART framework and see what you can apply in your own spaces.
Next, the real impact of the Be SMART message is when we share it with others. Talk to the people in your life — your family members, neighbors, friends at church and in your community — how secure firearm storage saves children’s lives. Let’s spread the word to build a safer community for all of our kids.
