Ten Tips for Firearm Safety in Your Home

In 2011, about one in six high school students reported they carried weapons (such as a gun, knife, or club) as of 2013, nearly three in ten high school males reported they carried weapons in the past 30 days. According to a study by Child Trends Data Bank, homicide is the third leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19, and the second leading cause of intentional/violence-related deaths for this age group. High school males are more than three times as likely as females to carry a weapon.

Education on gun safety should be a number one priority and here are a few helpful basic tips for firearm safety in your home:

1. Always keep the gun locked
2. Always keep the gun unloaded
3. Store the ammunition locked and hide the keys to the locked firearm
4. Store the ammunition in a separate place from the gun
5. Educate your friends – if they keep a firearm, urge them to keep it locked and unloaded.
6. Only the parent should know the location of the gun storage.
7. Check with your local police for advice about safe storage and gun locks.
8. When handling or cleaning a gun, never leave it unattended, not even for a moment.
9. Teach your children never to touch guns. Make sure they know that guns can be dangerous.
10. Talk with your kids about the risk of firearm injury outside the home, in places they may visit or play.