National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day brought together advocates and families to raise awareness about child firearm safety and encourage adults to take action. Celebrated on a Saturday in June, ASK Day dedicates national attention to preventing unintentional firearm injuries and deaths involving children.
According to advocates, approximately 21 million children live in households with unlocked firearms, creating significant risks of unintentional access and injury.
ASK Day promotes a simple but effective message: parents and caregivers should ask themselves and others about firearm safety practices in places where children spend time. The campaign encourages adults to:
- Ask whether firearms are present in homes, vehicles, or other places children visit
- Ask how firearms are stored—whether they are locked, unloaded, and secured
- Ask about ammunition storage
- Communicate expectations about firearm safety with children
The ASK campaign reflects public health evidence that asking directly about firearm presence and storage represents an effective, practical intervention. Research shows that when adults ask about firearm safety, they often discover unmet needs for locks, safes, or storage resources, leading to adoption of protective practices.
National ASK Day advocacy in communities nationwide includes public education campaigns, distribution of locks and safes, community forums, and media outreach. Organizations participating in the day include child safety advocates, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community groups.
Public health experts note that ASK Day contributes to normalization of firearm safety conversations, reducing stigma and embarrassment that sometimes prevents adults from discussing the topic. By dedicating a national day to the issue, organizers aim to make firearm safety a standard part of child protection discussions alongside other preventive practices like car seat safety and CPR training.