Gun Safety – proper usage and storage is essential

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chris Smith
  • 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Firearms of all types are featured on television shows, movies, video games and can be found in a large majority of homes. This is all the more reason to understand firearms safety. Additionally, it is vitally important for this day in age. Eliminating or minimizing the risks of unintentional death, injury or damage caused by improper handling and storage of firearms should be priority this year.

If choosing to maintain firearms, one must become fully aware about the risks exposed to not only gun-owners themselves, but also families, especially young children. Despite studies proving firearm related injuries peak in adolescence; adults are just as subject to such a mishap.

Unfortunately, tragedies occur on a daily basis involving unlocked firearms. The first rule of firearm safety is as simple as it is important: Know what purpose a weapon serves in a house and have a means of maintaining it safe and secure. This means keeping weapons secured in places only accessible to the right people. After all, how often does deer hunting or target shooting take place at home?

In the event of a fire or natural disaster it would be best if weapons remained unloaded, as an unlocked firearm might potentially kill or maim rescuers sifting through house rubble.

Here are a few basic guidelines to help keep firearms safe and away from all unauthorized users:

· Always remove ammunition from firearms.
· Ensure no unauthorized person has access to said firearms.
· Place ammunition in a locked location, separate from firearms.
· When deciding where to store ammunition, remember to select a secure place out of sight and reach of children.
· Secure unloaded firearms with a gunlock, gun alarm or other type of tamper-proof device which can render the gun inoperable.
· Store unloaded firearms, in a lockable gun cabinet, safe or vault.
· Remember to place a locked storage case where children cannot find it.
· Keep firearm storage unit keys away from any other type of personal keys.
· Remember that proper storage can significantly decrease injuries; the consequences of accidental discard could be devastating.