One of the best parts of summer vacation for me was going to a friend's house to play. But before my sister and I could go, my mom would ask us questions.

June 21 marks the annual ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Campaign, which is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The campaign encourages parents to ask if there is a gun in the home where their child is going to play.

The Web site, www.askingsaveskids.com, provides downloadablebrochures and posters as well as helpful hints on how to approach what could be a touchy subject between neighbors.

According to ASK, more than 40 percent of homes with children have guns and many of those are left unlocked and loaded. Eighty-six percent of the incidents in which children are injured or killed in unintentional shootings have occurred at the child's home or at the home of a friend or relative, the Web site reports.

In addition to supporting ASK, the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) lists some tips for parents on subjects such as pool and bug safety.

Pool safety

* Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties."

* Make sure pool gates open, self-close and self-latch at a height the child can not reach.

* Keep rescue equipment like a long pole with a hook on the end, a life preserver and a portable phone near the pool.

Bug safety

* Do not use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.

* Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.

* Avoid areas where insects congregate like stagnant pools of water and gardens.