Almost one third of all homes in the United States have a firearm (as
per the National Survey of Private Ownership of Firearms). As a result,
children have a high risk of encountering a gun. In 1996, there were 4,643
children and teenagers killed by gun related injuries. Thus, it is important
for parents to educate their children about firearm safety and reduce
the risk to their children from firearms.
If there is a gun in your house:
The best protection against firearm injury is removing the gun from your house, because the gun is much more likely to cause an injury than protect those living in the house. However, if you choose to keep a firearm, then use the following safety guidelines:
- Keep the firearm LOCKED and UNLOADED
- Keep the bullets and ammunition in a separate locked place
- If you have a rifle -- the best option is to use a gun safe or trigger lock
- If you have a handgun -- the best device to use is a portable lock box with a combination lock (that can be bolted to the floor or the wall)
Even if there is no gun in your house
Because your child may encounter a gun, parents should discuss gun safety with their children. This should include teaching them:
- NEVER to pick up a gun they find
- NEVER to accept a gun from a friend (even if they are told it is unloaded)
- Immediately go to the nearest adult for help if a gun is found (no matter whether the gun is inside or outside the house)
- A gun is not a toy
Parents should
review this information with their youngsters on a regular basis.
Reference:
Oski, F. Principles and Practices of Pediatrics. 2nd edition, 1994.