I’ve sat in multiple legislative committee hearings on firearms and anything restrictive is dead on arrival — pun intended. Rationale for killing constitutional common sense gun safety rules always includes the need for “more education.” Then nothing happens. There are a few things we do well to address suicide and support mental health, such as the SasfeUT app, but tragic violent gun deaths continue in our homes, communities and around our schools.

This is completely unacceptable.

It’s top of mind because of the rash of children who have “accidentally” shot themselves over the past month — an 8-year old Lehi boy alone in a car, a 5-year-old Santaquin boy in his parents’ bedroom, a 3-year-old child in Magna. Add this to ongoing fears of school shootings, such as the recent one in Georgia by an unstable teen who was knowingly given access to a weapon by his father, and it’s clear that more guns won’t stop the ongoing gun violence.

We must do more to address the problem of gun violence in our communities that is spilling into schools, and there are a few quick, easy and inexpensive things we can and should be doing right now. Education is part of the solution, and that’s our job in the schools!

First, education leaders — superintendents, board members and principals — should communicate to patrons the importance of safe storage of firearms — ESPECIALLY when there are children present. “Accidental” shootings and suicides are a huge problem for our young people, and it devastates families and communities — including schools — when these incidents happen. The EveryTown Be SMART training is easy to share. Why aren’t we having principals share this?

Along the same lines, we should be sharing information with the community about access to FREE GUN LOCKS. Many county libraries have them and will gladly provide one, no questions asked.

Next, we must better utilize school resource officers (SROs) in our school buildings as a resource for teachers. While it’s appropriate to go through “Run, Hide, Fight” training on occasion, it’s pretty generic. SROs should come to faculty meetings and offer to meet with teachers in their classrooms to discuss customized response plans. Not everyone wants to engage in this conversation, but some people do. Knowing that so many of us freeze in crisis situations, helping people think through what to do in advance of the unthinkable is essential.

Where we do have “first responders” identified in school buildings, these folks ought to have a bit of medical training, such as “Stop the Bleed,” on a regular basis. The medical kit I found in my room when I moved in 10 years ago was never inventoried, let alone updated or restocked. CPR training is important, but it’s not enough.

Not everything has to be done for everybody. But if we target our efforts on things that get maximal return on investment and support meaningful conversations, we can increase safety and confidence.

None of this requires legislation. The money has already been spent and the people are already in place. Let’s better utilize our people and let’s communicate more intentionally to educate our communities on how we can all keep each other safe!

Deborah Gatrell is a veteran with 25 years’ experience and training in anti-terrorism force protection. She has also been a certified EMT and combat lifesaver. She is currently a board certified high school social studies teacher and candidate for Utah State Board of Education, District 10. Her opinions are her own. Learn more at www.vote4deborah.com.