Childhood Injury Prevention Handbook

Childhood Injury Prevention Handbook

FIREARM SAFETY

Kids are curious and impulsive. When they find an unsecured gun, they are very likely to handle it—even if they have been instructed to never touch a gun. All children, even those without guns in their home, can be at risk for unintentional firearm injuries. Caregivers should discuss the presence of guns and the method of storage of these guns when their children will be playing or spending time in the homes of friends and family members. Getting in the habit of asking about guns when setting up a playdate or overnight at the homes of others will make this somewhat awkward conversation become easier over time. Adults can protect curious young children and determined depressed teens from injury by always securing their guns, keeping them locked and unloaded with the ammunition stored and locked up separately. !

Gun owners can also protect their guns from being stolen and used in a crime by securely storing their guns in their homes and vehicles.

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Many families hesitate to store their gun because they want to have quick access to the gun in case of emergency. Today there are many reasonably priced options that families can find to store their guns safely. Gun locks, lockboxes, gun safes and even biometric devices are options that will allow for secure storage and access to the gun by only the owner within seconds.

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