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.
Is there a problem? Yes, we have a serious problem.
What is a Solution? Secure Firearm Storage
Experts agree: the safest way to store a gun is unloaded, and locked, with ammunition locked in a separate location. All keys or passcodes to the locks should be hidden / not given to children or teens.
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.
When is secure firearm storage not enough?
If a family member is depressed, suicidal or is abusing drugs or alcohol, temporarily removing firearms from your home may save their life. Law enforcement and gun retailers can provide temporary gun storage in times of suicide risk.