Firearms Safety

Many families keep a gun in the home to protect their family from an intruder. Unfortunately, a gun in the house is much more likely to hurt or kill a member of the household or a friend than an intruder. If you do keep a gun at home, secure firearm storage is very important.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the absence of guns from homes is the most reliable and effective measure to prevent suicide, homicide, and unintentional firearm-related injuries to children and adolescents. But if there are guns in the home, AAP notes that storing guns unloaded and locked, with ammunition kept in a separate place, can mitigate the risk of child firearm injury.

Talk to Your Child About Gun Safety

Help them understand that real firearms are dangerous and can cause serious harm or death, unlike toy guns or those seen in movies, TV shows, or video games.
Teach your child that if they ever come across a firearm, they should not touch it, immediately leave the area, and inform an adult right away.
Encourage your child to report to an adult immediately if they see a firearm in someone’s backpack at school or hear about someone planning to bring a gun to school.
Reinforce that strong emotions like fear and anger can be expressed in safe, nonviolent ways.

Discussing gun safety is important, but it’s not a guarantee of safety.

Secure Storage Makes Homes with Guns Safer

Kids are naturally curious, and simply teaching them about firearms isn’t enough. If there are guns in your home, locking them up is the most effective way to prevent tragic accidents. In fact, one study found that households that locked both firearms and ammunition had a 78% lower risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries and an 85% lower risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children.

Secure storage doesn’t mean sacrificing quick access. Affordable options like lockboxes, gun safes, and biometric devices allow you to access your firearm in seconds while keeping it out of the hands of children and unauthorized users.

Protect what matters most. Lock it up.

When is secure firearm storage not enough?

If a family member is struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse, temporarily removing firearms from your home could save their life. During times of crisis, secure storage options are available — many law enforcement agencies and gun retailers offer temporary gun storage to help keep your loved ones safe. Taking this precaution can provide the critical time needed to seek support and recovery.

Keeping Your Child Safe at Other Homes

Just like you ask about booster seats, pets, or allergies before your child visits someone’s home, it’s important to add firearm safety to the conversation. Research shows that 93% of parents, including those who own firearms, are comfortable being asked about guns in their homes.

It’s understandable if it feels awkward at first. Here are some ways to start the conversation:

“Knowing how curious my child can be, I hope you don’t mind me asking if you have a firearm in your home and if it is stored unloaded and locked up.”
“Mom, Dad, [Friend's Name], this is a little awkward for me, and I mean no disrespect. I’m just concerned that Susie might find one of the firearms in your home while playing. Do you keep them locked up with the ammunition stored separately?”

If you’re uncertain about the safety of another home, it’s always okay to suggest the children play at your home instead. Taking this step can provide peace of mind and help ensure your child’s safety.