Guns are a great way to defend yourself, your home, and your family. However, they can be dangerous if mishandled. 1 in 3 homes with children has at least one gun in it. This has resulted in around 1300 children dying annually due to gun-related accidents. While there is a danger involved in guns, it’s important to remember that many of these accidents may have been unavoidable. Knowing how to store your gun, and properly educating your children on the proper way to view guns can go a long way in preventing accidents from occurring. Here are some gun safety tips for parents.
STORING YOUR GUNS
Gun-related accidents involving children often are a result of poor gun management on behalf of the parents. Keeping your gun locked up can prevent wandering hands on your firearm. Here are some tips for storing your guns in a home with children.
KEEP YOUR SAFETY ON
The two seconds that it takes to take your gun on and off of safety can save a life. Having the means to keep your gun from shooting keeps accidents from occurring. You may be tempted to leave the safety off as that adds another thing to deal with should you need to use it in your home. This idea sounds great in theory but it drastically increases your chances of a misfire.
EMPTY YOUR GUN
Keeping your gun empty when you are not using it is a great way to keep your family from getting hurt. Most children are oblivious when it comes to loading a gun so chances are, even if they do get ahold of it, they are not going to cause any real damage.
KEEP YOUR GUNS OUT OF REACH
Children are small, adults aren’t. Keeping your gun out of reach will help prevent your children from accessing it. Look for a secure shelf that’s high up enough that children wouldn’t be able to reach it. Not only does this make it hard to reach but it keeps it out of your kid’s sightline as well. They will not be motivated to retrieve the gun if they are not aware that it is in the room.
PURCHASE A GUN SAFE
The most effective way to keep your children safe while storing a gun at home is to invest in a gun safe. There are plenty of options including multiple sizes and several lock options to choose from. This added security not only protects your children but can also keep your guns safe in case of a robbery. Consider purchasing a quality brand such as Liberty or Rhino safe today.
HIDE YOUR GUN IN A LOCKBOX
If you can’t currently afford a gun safe, or you don’t have room for one, purchase a lockbox to store your gun in when not in use. Lockboxes add another level of security should you choose to store your gun up high and out of reach. (children are one of nature’s best climbers)
KEEP GUNS AND AMMO SEPARATE
When storing your gun, it’s a good idea to store your gun in one locked box, and your ammo in another. This adds another level of security should your child get curious. Breaking into two separate lockboxes is a challenging feat.
KEEP YOUR GUN ON YOUR PERSON WHEN NOT LOCKED UP
When you remove your gun from its storage case, it should only be on your person. Leaving guns on your nightstand or even in a concealed carry bag can make it easy for a child to access it while your attention is on something else.
CHECK GUNS AT THE DOOR
The same rule should apply to any guests you have over to your home. Consider having a designated lockbox for any guests to put their guns in. Backpacks containing firearms may accidentally be left on the floor while children are running around. This could potentially cause an accident.
REMOVE THEM ALTOGETHER
Depending on the age of your child, the risk of guns in the home may vary. While small children may just be curious, teenagers may use them to commit crimes or attempt suicide. Make sure you pay attention to the emotional state of your children, and if you feel at any time they are at risk, remove all firearms from your home and seek professional help immediately. Guns are for safety, and at any time they themselves become a threat, they should be treated as such.
EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN
Children are naturally curious, (a normal part of mental development) but that curiosity can lead to mistakes. That’s why you to teach your children not to put things in electrical outlets or play in the street. Educating your children about danger is part of them growing up, and guns are no exception.
Explain to your children (at the appropriate age where they can understand) the importance and purpose of guns, as well as the danger of mishandling a firearm. Instill in your children a healthy respect for firearms, and they will grow up understanding that they are not toys to be played with. These gun safety tips for parents can help you make sure your kids are in a safe environment at all times.
LET US HELP!
North American Safes assists our customers through repairs, lock changes, and relocations. When it comes to safes, we are there to help in any and every way. Contact us today with any questions you may have!