Helping kids stay safe around firearms is the goal of a new program from the Lake County Prosecutor's Office. The Gun Safety Literacy Program will teach kids in kindergarten through third grade what to do if they find a gun.
The prosecutor's office says it will feature "relatable scenarios, kid-friendly visuals, and interactive activities," along with a canine mascot called Careful Carter. It will emphasize the "S.A.F.E. method," which stands for stop, avoid touching, find an adult and exit the area.
In a press release, Prosecutor Bernard Carter says, "Our children's safety is non-negotiable." He adds, "By introducing these lessons early, we’re helping prevent tragedies before they happen."
The Gun Safety Literacy Program is an extension of the Gun Safety Lock Giveaway Program the prosecutor's office launched a year ago. They're a response to the number of shootings involving kids who get a hold of unsecured firearms.
Carter plans to officially kick off the program next week at Benjamin Harrison Elementary School in East Chicago.
