To the Editor, Every adult has a role to play in keeping kids safe from gun deaths and injuries.

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (ages 1 to 19) in the United States. Every year, 18,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded and approximately three million are exposed to gun violence. The vast majority of child and teen gun homicide deaths and unintentional shooting deaths and injuries occur in the home.

Johnston is the latest Rhode Island community to experience such a tragic loss, due to the alleged negligence of an adult who has been charged with violating state law on the secure storage of firearms, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy.

The onus is on adults to prevent such tragedies. What does that look like? Adults should Be SMART.

The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries.

SMART stands for the following:

- Secure firearms by keeping all guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition.

- Model responsible behavior around guns, especially in front of children.

- Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes, just as you would ask about allergens, car seats or other safety concerns.

- Recognize the risks of teen suicide and any threats of shooting others.

Pay attention to any warning signs to prevent a tragedy before it happens.

- Tell your peers and fellow parents to Be SMART.

I applaud the Barrington School Committee for joining school districts across the country in passing a resolution to distribute secure gun storage information to parents, including the distribution of Be SMART educational materials. The Cranston School Committee should do the same.

Secure gun storage is a critical tool in keeping children and teens safe.

For more information on what you can do to prevent gun deaths and injuries and keep your family, friends, and community safe, visit BeSmartForKids.org, or text SMART to 644-33. Candace Brown Casey

Cranston, RI

Volunteer, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America