City of Columbia launches gun safety initiative alongside community partners

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) —  According to CDC statistics, firearms are the leading cause of death for children in America.

More than 700 children living in America also died by gun suicide each year.

“We often talk about losing a generation to gun violence. Efforts such as BE SMART is how we change that narrative,” said Chief Skip Holbrook of the Columbia Police Department.

Started in 2015, BE SMART is a campaign promoting responsible gun ownership.

Part of this involves securing guns and keeping them out of the hands of children.

“We know that firearms in the hands of children and young adults can be disastrous. They make emotional decisions to resolve a conflict with a gun,” Holbrook said. “They can also come across an unsecure gun and it can change lives forever.”

BE SMART is more than about personal responsibility. It also aims to educate others about the dangers of gun violence and unsecured firearms.

Monday, the City of Columbia announced the first ever SMART Week.

“Understand where you kids are. Understand where your weapons are,” said Columbia mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Make sure they are locked up and not left in your car unsecure. These are little measures that make a big difference.”

The BE SMART campaign is just one way that Soda City leaders are using to address violent crime.

“It involves starting an office of violent crime prevention, passing the first ordinance in South Carolina that addressed reporting a lost or stolen firearm and the lock it up campaign,” said Dr. Aditi Bussell of Columbia City Council.

BE SMART has also partnered with school districts, not just in Columbia but across the Midlands.

“As a part of our commitment to our students and citizens in Fairfield County, we partner with agencies to make sure our students are learning and safe,” said Dr. Tony Hemingway, Fairfield County School District superintendent. 

For more information, check out BE SMART or City of Columbia.