Officer John Zola stated that it goes back to the home where children should be safe and not have access to guns.  I couldn’t agree with him more.  Whenever something like this happens, it shocks our community and for a short while our intentions are to take precautions to lock up the guns and to do whatever is necessary to keep this from happening in our own home. Then we let our guard down and history repeats itself.   Anyone who owns a gun should have it under lock and key regardless if children are in the home or not!

Here at GCASA, we have a SafeHomes program.   The intent of the program is to promote awareness in our schools and community, by encouraging parents to create a safe and healthy environment for their children in their own homes.

The pledge promise is as follows:

        I PLEDGE TO PROVIDE A SAFEHOME                                                                        

• I will provide adult supervision for all children visiting my home.              

• I will provide a secure storage place for all forms of alcohol, firearms, and other potentially hazardous items; including over the counter and prescription medications.

• I will maintain a smoke-free home.

• I will not allow parties or gatherings in my home when I am not there.

·          I welcome communication with any parent who personally observes my child using alcohol or other drugs.

·          I will communicate with any SafeHomes parent of a child I personally observe using alcohol or other drugs

• I will talk with my child(ren) about the dangers of drug use and my    expectations of them being drug-free.

Our goal is to reduce the number of children that are negatively impacted when these guidelines are not followed.

This pledge is not legal or binding by law.  If you would like to get the SafeHomes program in your school or to find out more about SafeHomes, log on to www.gcasa.net  or you may contact Carol at 815-1873