One-third of all families in America that have children also have guns, and more than 40 percent of them don't keep their guns locked up. Children younger than 8 can't tell the difference between a real gun and a toy, and 3-year-olds are strong enough to pull the trigger on a real gun. Children and teens commit more than half of all unintentional shootings.
Here are some things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.
- Teach children that they shouldn't touch guns and that if they see a gun, to leave it alone and tell an adult.
- If your children play at another home, talk to the parents about gun safety.
- Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
- Always store guns unloaded.
- Lock guns in a rack or safe, and hide the keys or combination.
- Store ammunition away from guns and keep it locked.
- Don't keep guns in your home if someone in your family has a mental illness, severe depression, or potential for violence.
Always keep your guns secure in some way when you have children and/or untrained people in your home. You can buy a steel gun cabinet that will hold hand guns, several long rifles, or shotguns for around a $100 and you can buy a Cable or Trigger lock for around $20. Every gun storage situation is different, but there is a locking method for every situation.
Rules for Safe Gun Storage
- Keep all guns and ammunition out of the reach of children, untrained adults, and those who would use them improperly.
- Always keep your guns locked in a Gun Safe that cannot be easily broken into or taken away. If one is not available, use a Cable Lock or Trigger Lock (one that goes behind the trigger is preferred) and store the guns out of the reach of those who should not have access to them.
- Keep the keys to gun safes and gun locks hidden and out of the reach of those who should not have access to them.
- Store your guns unloaded and with the safety on.
- Keep the guns dry, cleaned, and oiled while in storage.
- Store guns and ammunition in a dry cool place and away from heat and fire.
Never fool around or play with guns. Guns are dangerous when they are not handled or used properly and can easily injure or kill you, and those around you. There are no second chances with a gun and the rules for safe gun handling must always be followed to avoid accidents.
The 12 Golden rules for Safe Gun Handling
- Always treat the gun as loaded.
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
- Never point the gun at anything you don't intend to destroy.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using.
- Always use proper Ammunition.
- Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.
- If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds; then with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, carefully unload the gun.
- Don't rely on the gun's safety to keep it from firing.
- Be aware of your surroundings when handling guns so you don't trip or lose your balance and accidentally point and/or fire the gun at anyone or anything.