In Bexar County, 56% percent of adults either own a gun or live in a household with a gun owner, according to a new survey. This same survey reports that one-third of adults admitted to always having a gun loaded and easily accessible in their home.
While public opinion is divided on regulating access to firearms, the desire to reduce gun deaths remains a common goal.
One practical safety measure all firearm owners can take is to properly secure firearms at home.
Why Secure Gun Storage Matters
Every day, an estimated seven children between the ages of 1 and 17 die from gun-related injuries. Many of these tragedies happened within their own home. That’s why secure gun storage matters.
Hiding a gun is not enough. “Bored kids make curious kids,” says Jennifer Northway, director of Injury Prevention at University Health. “Whether we think we have something properly hidden, our kids can find those things,” she says. The only way to truly protect children is by storing firearms unloaded, locked and out of reach.
While secure storage is essential, it’s only one part of keeping children safe. Talking to kids about gun safety is just as important.
How to Talk to Your Kids about Gun Safety
Here are ways you can talk to your kids about gun safety:
- Explain how guns in video games and TV are different from the ones in real life.
- Teach them never to touch a gun and immediately tell an adult.
- Start the conversation early and do it more than once. Children sometimes forget, so it’s important to have regular conversations about safety.
When it comes to visiting other households, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends five questions to ask before a playdate. One of which is to ask parents about their gun safety measures.
Simply ask if they have a gun in the house, if so, how do they store it. If you feel unsafe having your child be at their home, you can recommend the other child go to your house instead.
How to Safely Store Firearms and Ammunition
A study previously published in Hospital Pediatrics found that 39% of parents falsely believe their kids did not know where their firearms are stored and 22% believe their kids never touched a gun.
Here’s how you can safely store firearms if you keep them in the house:
- Store firearms in a locked location, unloaded, out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store ammunition in a separate locked location, out of the reach and sight of children.
- Keep the keys and combinations hidden.
- When a firearm is not being stored, it should be on your person and in your immediate control at all times.
- Make sure all firearms are equipped with effective, child-resistant gun locks.
- If a visitor has a firearm in a backpack, briefcase, handbag or unlocked car, provide them with a locked place to hold it while they are in your home.
- Never leave firearms on a nightstand, table or other place where a child can gain access as it may lead to injuries and fatalities.
Injury Prevention with University Health
Injury Prevention at University Health educates the public about how to prevent injuries and death in your community. In addition, we and our partners formed GunSafety4Bexar.com to educate the public specifically about safe storage and provide free firearm locks.
