Owning a gun, while one of the most fundamental of constitutional rights, brings with it the responsibility to ensure its safe use and storage. Hundreds of gun accidents occur every year, due to distraction and negligence. Thinking ahead and taking active measure to protect your family and community against gun dangers can avoid these injuries.
Educate Your Household About Gun Safety
Many organizations recommend training your family members about gun safety if you intend to keep guns on the premises. Age-appropriate educational efforts about assuming guns are loaded, never pointing it at others and telling adults about the presence of guns can help to keep family members from being a victim of an accidental shooting.
Store Guns Properly
Keeping a gun at hand at all times can lead to accidents. The odds are you will not need your gun at all times of the day and night. A number of gun safes are available, which can keep your gun safely stored, but will allow you to access it easily when needed. Invest some time to research the different options and invest in this important safety measure.
Use A Gun Lock
Many gun owners carry their guns wherever they go, and this can lead to problems in families with children, who reach into purses or holsters to inspect this tantalizing item. A gun lock can prevent the gun from accidentally being fired into a crowd and eliminate the risk of injury to your child or yourself.
Clean and Store Guns After Use
When you come home from a hunting trip or the gun range, prepare your gun for safe storage immediately. Unload the weapon, clean it carefully and store it in a safe place. Leaving guns unattended after use can be an invitation for children or untrained visitors to handle the gun, which can put them and your family in danger.
Know Your Target—and Beyond
Many gun accidents occur when a homeowner believes they are experiencing a home invasion, only to find they have shot a family member or someone close to the family. Before firing your gun, always carefully identify your target. Make sure the shot will hit the target and only the target so that loved ones will not be put in danger by your actions.
If you have been involved in a gun-related incident, contact the office of Bryan Caulfield to discuss your case.
http://www.projectchildsafe.org/news/ten-tips-firearm-safety-your-home
http://www.policeone.com/off-duty/articles/139766-Kids-Guns-Strategies-for-avoiding-firearms-tragedies/