WCPSS Board takes up issue of gun storage safety, holding parents accountable

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County School Board took up the issue of gun safety and holding parents accountable at its Tuesday meetings.

The agenda includes a plan to provide families with more resources when it comes to gun safety.

In their weekly work session, the board acknowledged the resolution was an atypical measure for them to take but said it was a necessary public safety information campaign - one they're partnering with the N.C. Safe Program for.

They also agreed to provide citations for the data published in the final version of the resolution. The resolution includes information on the consequences to parents if a child gets a hold of a firearm.

"I do feel that a lot of parents do not understand the source of this," said board member Cheryl Caulfield. "I think a common misconception is -- I have it safe and it's not going to happen."

They also noted the responsibility shared by parents when it comes to gun ownership - beyond just their own household.

"A child comes to my house and I've not secured those weapons, that child may have no education or reference point whatsoever and they could get access if the guns are not secured," said board member Lynn Edmonds.

The board will continue discussion on the resolution in conjunction with state officials and law enforcement.

This follows a recent push by the Biden administration push to spread awareness about safe gun storage.

The White House says more than 3/4 of unintentional shootings of children were committed with insecure guns in the home.

They also claim 80% of firearm suicides by children involved weapons belonging to family members.

In 2023, Governor Roy Cooper kicked off NC SAFE which is a similar gun safety awareness campaign in the Tar Heel state. NC SAFE stands for Secure All Firearms Effectively.