Gun Safety in the Home

Having a candid conversation about gun safety in the home can get everyone on the same page, bring peace of mind and prevent tragedy.

While we may all have personal beliefs about safe gun handling and storage, firearm ownership carries significant responsibility. Not everyone in the household may have formal firearms training, but learning how to properly handle and store firearms is a vital step in keeping your family safe.

If a firearm is kept in the home, everyone should understand the household’s safety practices and storage procedures. Military families are encouraged to discuss and practice safe firearm storage regularly because safety is a shared household responsibility.

Open conversations about firearms can help ensure everyone understands expectations, reduce the risk of incidents and support a safer home environment.

Facts about gun safety

Everyone plays a role in ensuring safe, secure and ready military communities. Do your part by safely and securely storing your firearms at home. Accidents can happen even to the most safety-conscious individual. When a firearm is involved, the consequences can be devastating:

• Having access to a firearm greatly increases the risk of death from domestic violence or suicide.
• Firearms are a leading cause of death for American children and teens. Even very young children can pull the trigger of an unlocked gun.
• Over the past decade, firearm suicide rates among 10- to 14-year-olds have increased sharply.

Storing guns safely

A gun in the wrong hands can lead to unintentional shootings, suicide and homicide. Children are particularly at risk when there is a gun in the home, but an adult who is going through a tough time and knows how to access a gun can also be a danger to themselves or others. Take the following precautions with any gun in the home:

• Never leave a gun unattended.
• Unload firearms when not in use. Remove all ammunition from the firearm, including any rounds in the chamber.
• Keep the firearm locked. Secure firearms with cable locks and store in a lockable safe.
• Store ammunition in a lockbox or safe, separate from firearms. Keep the keys to the firearms and ammunition storage in separate locations.
• Talk with children about what to do if they see a gun. Make sure they know not to touch it, but to tell you or another responsible adult.
• Don’t rely on hiding spots such as nightstands, closet shelves, dressers or on top of the refrigerator. Curious children and teens often notice and remember where firearms are kept. Firearms should always be secured with a lock and stored in a locked container. Leaving a firearm in an accessible location can lead to accidental discovery, serious injury or death.

Getting a free gun lock

If you need a gun lock or other firearm safety equipment, free resources are available:

• Project ChildSafe: This nationwide program partners with local law enforcement agencies to distribute free firearm safety kits and gun locks. Use the Project ChildSafe safety kit locator to find a participating agency near you.
• Veterans Affairs: Veterans can get a free cable-style gun lock at participating VA medical centers and clinics, with no paperwork required. Learn more about the VA Keep It Secure Initiative.
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: If you prefer to have a gun lock mailed to your home, you can request one through the SAVE Lethal Means Safety Program.

Handling guns safely

Safe firearm practices protect the entire family. Whether at home or visiting loved ones who own guns, talk openly about safe storage and handling precautions to ensure children are never left around unsecured weapons. Some states require individuals to take a home firearm safety course before purchasing a gun. You or your loved one can find and take gun safety courses locally. In addition, anyone who handles a firearm should take the following precautions:

• Keep the gun unloaded and locked until you’re in a safe place to clean or use it.
• Read the firearm’s manual before using it and, when possible, before purchasing it. Know how to safely open and close the action and safely remove ammunition from the gun or magazine.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction. Always check that no one will be injured if the gun accidentally discharges.

Even if you are familiar with gun safety practices in the home, others may benefit from this information. Share this article to help keep others safe and informed.