Safe & Responsible Gun Ownership

The Basics
Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of your most important responsibilities. You must always secure your firearm and ammunition so that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.

Don’t dismiss the need to store guns safely. The consequences can cause serious injury or death. Follow these guidelines to keep firearms away from all unauthorized persons: 

1. Always remove ammunition from guns.

2. Assure no unauthorized persons have access to your gun.

3. Place ammunition in a locked location, separate from guns. When deciding where to store ammunition, remember to select a secure place that is out of sight and reach of children.

4. Secure unloaded firearms with a gun lock, gun alarm or other type of tamper-proof device. These might render the gun inoperable.

5. Store unloaded guns in a gun cabinet, safe, or locked gun vault. Remember to place a locked storage case where children can’t find it.

6. Keep gun storage keys away from the “every day” keys.

• Before handling any firearm, understand how it operates.
  Not all firearms are the same. Familiarize yourself with the mechanical features of any firearm you intend to use.

• Always safely store and secure your firearm
  Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of the most important responsibilities of firearms ownership.

• Always lock and store bullets in separate location.
  Secure your firearm and ammunition separately so that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.

• Make sure children do not have access to the gun safe/cabinet keys

• Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded
  Do not take anyone's word that the firearm is unloaded - always check for yourself.

• Always keep you firearm pointed in a safe direction
  This is particularly important when loading, unloading, or field stripping the gun.

• Never place your finger inside the trigger guard unless you intend to fire.
  Your firearm cannot fire unless the trigger is pulled. Ensure that other objects do not touch the trigger.

• Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
  Do not use your firearm if you are on any medication which impairs, even slightly, your mental or physical ability.  

If You Do Not Own A Gun:

• Talk with your children about the risk of gun injury outside the home in places where they may visit and play.
• Tell your children to stay away from guns when they are in the homes of their friends.
• Speak with the parents of your children’s friend to determine whether they have a gun in the home.
• If they do, urge them to empty it out and lock it up.

Teach your children these steps to follow if they encounter a gun:

1.    Stop!
2.    Don't touch.
3.    Leave the area.
4.    Tell an adult.

Print Article

Source: Article adapted from content published on www.TN.gov