FIREARMS SAFETY
It is estimated that guns are kept in about 45% of households in the United States.
 Responsible Firearm Ownership
Anyone owning a firearm must take personal responsibility as well as full control of that firearm to ensure the safety of themselves as well as others. Misuse can easily cause serious injury or death. Owners should assume that every firearm is loaded, not let it fall into the wrong hands, and practice other safety precautions and laws such as: |
| |  Know local, state and federal laws regarding the use of firearms |
| | Know how to properly handle, clean, load, lock and store your firearm |
| | Never allow a firearm to be present when drugs or alcohol are being used |
| | Never display a firearm at a social gathering |
| | Clean a firearm by yourself in a safe place and never leave it unattended even for a moment |
| | Load your firearm only when you intend to fire it |
Storing Firearms |
| | Always empty the ammunition from your firearm prior to storing |
| | Use a barrel lock, trigger lock, cylinder lock or a locking firearm case, or keep your firearm in a locked gun safe |
| | Store ammunition separately, in a locked container, away from the firearm, heat and moisture |
| | Never throw ammunition in the trash |
| | Carry the keys for the gun and ammunition containers on your person at all times or keep them locked in a spot that only you know |
| | Never store a gun under a mattress or pillow, or on top of a bedside table |
| | To help ensure that your firearm does not end up in the hands of a criminal, do not store it among valuables such as jewelry where it might be stolen |
Other Important Information
According to the Children's Safety Network... |
| | An estimated 25% of 3 to 4 year olds, 70% of 5 to 6 year olds, and 90% of 8 year olds have the strength to fire most guns available commercially |
| | Guns seem like toys to children, who often see them fired on television and in the movies. For some teenagers, guns have a strong and sometimes fatal fascination. If there are children or young adults living in your home, your firearms must absolutely be kept locked up at all times. |
| | A flare-up of anger can quickly lead to tragedy when a loaded gun comes into the equation. A quarrel that would normally have blown over can lead to injury, death and a lifetime of remorse and regret. |
| | Someone addicted to drugs or alcohol may use your firearm to hurt others, and a person suffering from depression or mental illness may use it to commit suicide. A study has shown that 91% of suicide attempts with guns were successful, compared with 34% from jumping from high places and 23% with poison. |
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