Dear Abby: Ask about gun storage and safety when necessary

Dear Abby: Today, June 21 — the first day of summer — is the annual ASK Day (Asking Saves Kids). Children are out of school and visiting other people's homes. This is a moment to remind parents to ask if there are guns in these homes and if they're stored safely — out of kids' reach.

Will you help us get the word out about our campaign? Prevention saves lives, and we're grateful for your consideration.

— Bettina Lanyi, Asst. Director of Partnerships, Brady Campaign

Dear Bettina: I'm pleased to spread the word. Readers, the ASK Campaign is a collaboration between the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Its goal is to ensure kids' safety by encouraging parents to ASK if there is an unlocked gun in the homes where their children play.

For more information, I encourage you to visit askingsaveskids.org. There you will find resources, including tips for parents and others on how to bring up the sometimes-awkward topic of safe storage. There are also brochures and flyers in English and Spanish, and suggestions about how to work with groups in your community to bring public awareness to the ASK program.