When firearms of any kind are present in the home, we need to take extra precautions to keep our kids safe.
The Facts:
Three out of four children living in a house with a gun know where the fun is, even when their parents think they don’t know.
Children as young as 3 years old may be strong enough to pull the trigger of a handgun.
Top Tips:
Keep all firearms out of the reach and out of sight of children by storing them securely. Leaving guns unsecured, such as on a nightstand, table, or other place where a child can gain access, can lead to injuries and fatalities.
Store guns unloaded and secured with effective, child-resistant gun locks in a locked container out of the reach and sight of children.
When a gun is not being stored, always keep it in your immediate possession and control. Otherwise, store the gun unloaded, locked.
Lock and store bullets in a separate location.
Talk to the grandparents as well as the parents of your children’s friends about guns in the home and how to safely store and secure them.
If you decide that you no longer need a gun in your home, dispose of it in a safe way. Consult with local law enforcement on the best way to do so.