As we welcome summer, we are reminded of the idyllic days of our youth and the freedom that summer brings. As adults we know that it is our responsibility to ensure that the fun and freedom of summer is also a safe and carefree time for our youth. That is one reason why June is recognized as National Firearm Safety Month. It is the perfect time to remind all of us that the only kind of firearm ownership is responsible ownership, for the health and safety of everyone.
Project ChildSafe is a program by the National Shooting Sports Foundation that promotes firearm safety and education, through the distribution of safety education material and free firearm safety kits distributed through local law enforcement agencies. They offer plenty of fun ways to teach children about firearm safety, and they have distributed more than 40 million gun locks throughout the US.
Here are some things to remember in your ongoing effort to make sure that all weapons are safe, secured and out of the hands of those not intended to use them.
- If you own a firearm, use a safe storage option, all the time. Make safety a habit!
- Use a gun-locking device, which renders weapons inoperable, in addition to locked storage.
- Firearms should always be stored unloaded, in a location that is inaccessible to children.
- Ammunition should be stored in a locked location separate from firearms.
- Talk to your kids and everyone in the house about firearm safety.
- When traveling with a firearm, it must be under your control at all times; when it’s not, it must be stored, locked and out of sight.
- Use secure temporary storage for firearms in vehicles.
- Always keep a gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Never assume a firearm is unloaded.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger, even when handling an unloaded gun.
Hunting is a long-standing and rich tradition in many families and communities, passed down from family members to the next generation. However, safety should be the biggest part of every conversation about hunting and firearm use. After a long hunt or a day at the range, always check, and then double check that weapons are unloaded before placing them in your vehicle. State regulations for hunting seasons, dates and licensing apply, so learn the rules before you head out. Be sure to tell someone where you will be hunting and when you expect to return. Be safe this summer and always!