#feelgoodfriday – Some Good News, Outdoor Companies Helping Out & Project Childsafe
It seems like things will get worse, much worse before they will get better as our nation and the world try to control the spread of COVID-19. I see it on social media, read it in news reporting, and hear it in the voices of my family and friends.
There is confusion about how we got here.
There is anger over things we miss.
There is sorrow as we see the number of infections climb.
There is the fear of how the pandemic will ultimately affect us, from those who will get sick to those who will struggle in other ways as they try to support themselves and their families.
There is grief because soon, if not already, we will know someone who will not survive the battle with the coronavirus.
TGIF seems a thing of the past. An acronym pronouncing joy for the weekend, “Thank goodness it’s Friday,” with its promise of fun or rest, has less meaning now as the days begin to run together as we shelter in place. Friday just doesn’t hold the same excitement for so many of us. It’s only another day. At the same time, so is Monday.
There are also things to celebrate and share to lift our spirits too!
To seek out the bright side, I wanted to share some #feelgoodfriday news with you that may boost your spirits. The first is simple, just type in the hashtag #feelgoodfriday into the search on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for a highlight reel from around the world of good things happening to everyday people.
Another example is how John Krasinski of The Office and Jack Ryan fame created Some Good News (SGN). SGN is a homegrown TV show the actor created from his house with cameos from famous celebrities and real people. I watched the first episode this week and it made me smile and shed a few happy tears.
The outdoor industry is also helping. I shared this Guns & Ammo story on social media about how one of my sponsors is helping out — Federal Ammunition Donates N95 Masks to Local Hospitals. Today, in the Shooting Wire, I read a piece about the Allen Company and how it is transitioning its facilities to specifically help with the pandemic. The outdoor manufacturing company has ramped up its manufacturing platforms to aid with local community needs and has begun delivering to local hospitals.
Another reason to celebrate is how the NSSF shared some wonderful news about Project Childsafe. Here’s the full press release:
NSSF Gratified to See Firearm Accidents Reaching Record Low Level
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is pleased to report that unintentional firearm fatalities reached their lowest level ever, according to the latest data from the National Safety Council’s just-released Injury Facts Report 2018.
NSSF, as the trade association for the firearm industry and leading proponent of safe gun handling and storage, applauded the report, which shows fatal firearm accidents at their lowest level since record-keeping began in 1903. The firearm industry has for the last two decades provided more than 100 million firearm locking devices with new firearms sold and through its award-winning Project ChildSafe program—the largest and most comprehensive firearm safety program in the country. The industry’s educational materials are widely distributed to gun owners by firearm manufacturers, retailers, instructors and others nationwide.
“As an industry that prioritizes firearm safety, it is extremely good news to see this record decline in gun-related accidents,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO. “It’s gratifying to know that our industry’s gun safety efforts, including our long-running Project ChildSafe firearm safety education program, are contributing to helping save lives.”
With approximately 100 million gun owners in the country, the data demonstrates that firearms can be safely owned and used and accidents prevented as long as secure storage guidelines are followed. “Securely storing firearms when not in use is the No. 1 way to help prevent accidents, thefts, and misuse,” said Bartozzi.
The National Safety Council data showed that for 2018 there were 458 firearm fatalities, accounting for less than 1 percent of unintentional fatalities from all principal causes. In the last two decades (1998-2018) accidental firearm deaths have declined by 47 percent. “Even one accidental firearm fatality is one too many,” said Bartozzi. “We’re aiming for zero, and this is great progress.”
With reports of many people purchasing their first firearm due to safety concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, Bartozzi reminds new gun owners to use the safety device that came packaged with their new firearm when their gun is not under their direct control, to strongly consider using an additional safety device such as a lock box or lockable gun case, and to take advantage of the many gun safety resources at ProjectChildSafe.org, such as this video on the 10 commandments of firearm safety.
Also, with so many children at home because of COVID-19-related school closures, Bartozzi encourages parents to take time to have “the talk” with their kids about gun safety and to use tools such as the McGruff on Gun Safety videos and a video on how parents can talk to their children about gun safety on the Project ChildSafe website. Learn more at ProjectChildSafe.org.
These are just a few instances of happy news to share with so many more. As reporting becomes grimmer each day, I hope you can find some things out there to make you smile or feel proud of how people are helping one another. Stay safe and healthy.
