A collection of rules and recommendations that can be applied when handling firearms, in order to eliminate or minimize the risks of unintentional death, injury or damage caused by improper handling of firearms
Seguridad de armas
Gun safety is something that has always been paramount. Statistics show that around eight accidents with firearms occur daily, several of which are lethal.
Therefore, safety regarding any gun or weapon is a priority among its owners. This must be intensified even more if there are minors at home who may end up having access to this weaponry.
But what can we do to have proper gun safety? Read on, and we will give you some tips on how to keep your firearms safe.
The Statistics
There are several statistics regarding accidents caused in the home due to low gun safety. These statistics only represent a tiny number of accidents that occur worldwide.
- An unsecured or misplaced gun shoots about eight children.
- About 4.6 million children worldwide live in homes where firearms are present.
- 3 out of 4 children know where their parents hide their guns.
- 1 in 5 parents has no idea that their children drink or play with their guns.
These statistics are alarming safety measures must be taken immediately.
Keeping the gun unloaded
Keeping our guns unloaded before putting them away ensures that accidents do not occur due to misfiring. To do so, we must empty the cartridge, and if the weapon is semiautomatic, verify that there are no bullets in the chamber.
This method allows that in case the weapon is dropped or a minor take it, they cannot be injured due to imprudence.
Securing and concealing the weapon
Some devices allow the gun to be locked so it cannot be fired. They are usually placed on the trigger or the barrel. This fact prevents the gun from being triggered when hit by surprise.
Gun stores usually sell these locks, but some police departments may also provide some free of charge.
In addition to keeping it secured, it is necessary to hide the weapon in a place where it cannot be easily accessed. A safe, a box out of children’s reach or a place away from your family’s daily life will ensure that it will not be found by accident.
Store ammunition and weapons separately
In addition to keeping the gun unloaded, it is necessary to separate it from the ammunition. This way, if a minor finds it, they will not seek to load it with the ammunition available at the site.
This tip will minimize accidents and keep the family as a whole protected.
Talk to family members
It is necessary to discuss with others in your household whether you have a gun and the danger involved. This talk should extend to educating children and adolescents in the family.
They should be taught to avoid sudden movements when they find the gun, not to touch it because of the danger of firing it, and to move away from the gun when they find it. In addition, notify a nearby adult about the weapon’s presence so that it can be stored in a better way.
These steps will help keep your family safe from possible firearms accidents.
