July 6, 2011

Summer is Full of Dangers, Injuries, and Death for Children in Florida and the Rest of the Nation

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Statistics and current events prove that the idle months of summer pose the highest risk of danger to North Florida children’s safety. Drowning and gun accidents are on the top of the list for fatal threats. Fortunately, both instances are preventable and education is the key.

According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida reported the highest number of drownings for children under the age of 5 than any other state in the United States. Recent headlines demonstrate this danger; four children nearly drowned in pools from June 16-21 in Palm Beach County. As such, it is a responsible question to ask- Is your child protected from drowning? In order to prevent your child from drowning, take your child to swimming lessons and be vigilant about securing access to any water.

Firearm injures account for the second leading cause of death for children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, firearm accidents in Palm Beach County alone claim an average of one child’s life a month. In every instance of firearm-related deaths, vulnerable children found access to a loaded weapon that was not properly secured. Officials say that the summer months pose the most danger. West Palm Beach police, the Palm Beach County’s Sheriff’s Office, the Palm Beach County Children Services Council, pediatric physicians and others recently teamed up to encourage parents to keep their firearms in a secure location.

Summer should be a fun and safe time for your children. Jacksonville, Orlando and other Florida parents should educate themselves about pool and firearm safety so they can prevent their children from any unnecessary harm. For more information on this topic, see Summer is peak season for child dangers, so parents beware.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Child Safety , Gun & Firearm Safety and Injuries , Swimming Pool & Aquatic Injuries

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January 8, 2011

Don't Fire Guns in Air to Celebrate - Dangers to Others - Man Suffers Gun Shot Wound from Falling Bullet in Bradenton Florida

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A man from Manatee County, Florida, was apparently shot and sustained personal injuries by some celebratory gun fire on New Year's Eve. The wounded man was identified as Robert Benafield, 36, of Bradenton, Florida. Benafield was in his backyard just before midnight when he suddenly felt a pain on the right-side of his body near his hip. Benafield went into the house to examine his pain and realized he had been shot. According to deputies the bullet entered into Benafield's body about two inches above his hip and traveled down about five inches. Benafield told deputies he had heard gunfire earlier as part of of a New Year's celebration. Benafield was treated at a local hospital and released. If you would like to read more on this story please see Bradenton, Florida man shot on New Year's Eve by apparent celebratory gun fire.

This man is very lucky he did not sustain more severe personal injuries or was killed. Guns are extremely dangerous weapons and should only be used under proper supervision and in safe and designated environments, this does not include firing a gun in a neighborhood around families and children. If you would like to read Florida laws on firearms please see Florida Law Regarding Minors (Under the Age of 18) and Firearms or Florida Law on BB Guns and Children - Dangers of BB Guns - Risks of Personal Injury and Death.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Gun & Firearm Safety and Injuries

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December 31, 2010

Importance of Safety At Shooting Ranges

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Shooting ranges across the nation are receiving criticisms and facing legal obstacles due to a widespread concern about the ranges' safety, noise and environmental effects of lead contamination. Many owners of shooting ranges are currently involved in legal battles with neighboring residents or local governments. Most of the lawsuits are claims by the neighboring residents calling the shooting ranges a nuisance due to the high level of noise produced by the ranges. Another reason for initiating the lawsuits against the shooting ranges is that many neighboring residents are finding stray bullets on their property, such as roof tops and front and back yards. Some neighbors of the shooting ranges have even been struck my stray bullets. For instance, Louise Neeser is believed to have been struck by a stray bullet outside her home while she was doing yard work. Doctors informed her that something had torn through the side of her face. Neeser's personal injuries consist of permanent jaw and eye damage as well as debilitating headaches. Many local governments worry that the lead remnants found in bullets and shell casings may have a severe environmental impact and could potentially seep into communities' ground water supply. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Practice safety at shooting ranges.

It is important that shooting ranges have appropriate licenses and permits that legally allow the shooting ranges to conduct it regular course of business. Proper licensing and permits imply that the range has met all safety criteria and that the facility is also safe for its patrons and neighboring residents.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Gun & Firearm Safety and Injuries

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October 20, 2010

Gun Ownership and Gun Safety - Rights and Responsibilities of Gun Ownership

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Having a firearm in your home can be extremely dangerous, especially if you have children. Firearm-related injuries are a significant cause of death in children. Although the majority of children are injured by a firearm during adolescence, younger child and infants can sustain firearm-related injuries or death. Younger children are most likely to be injured while playing with a gun they found and not realizing the gun is real or loaded. It is common for younger children to shoot themselves or their playmates. It is estimate that almost 50% of the households in the nation possess firearms for safety reasons. However, a firearm at home is more likely to cause injury to or kill the family rather than an intruder.

One key factor in protecting your children from firearm-related injury is proper storage. Restricting a child's access to a firearm within the home can be the difference between life and death. Proper storage of a firearm means keeping the firearm locked in a cabinet or drawer. Also, the gun should be unloaded and the bullets should be locked separately.

Below are other measures that parents, guardians, and gun owners can take to ensure gun safety within the home:

- Use the trigger lock on your gun.

- Do not let children have access to the keys that unlock the drawer or cabinet where the firearm is located.

- Teach your children not to handle guns without adult supervision.

- Try to avoid permitting children to play with realistic toy guns.

If you do not have a gun in your home, your child(ren) should be taught what to do if he or she were to ever come across a firearm. Below are the simple steps a child should be taught if he or she happens to find a firearm:

- Stop!

- Do not touch.

- Leave the area.

- Tell an adult.

If you would like to read more on this topic please see >What to do if you possess a firearm in your home.

Gun safety is very important. Parents and guardians have a duty to teach their children about the dangers regarding guns. Children should know of what to do if they come across a firearm as well as NEVER to play with guns or other weapons.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Gun & Firearm Safety and Injuries

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