NCJ Number
177061
Journal
Law Enforcement Trainer Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 1999 Pages: 6-7
Date Published
1999
Length
2 pages
Annotation
After discussing the potential danger of firearms in the home, this article outlines ways to secure these firearms so they are not accessible to children or intruders; police departments are encouraged to mount Home Safety Courses.
Abstract
Each year more than 1,500 people die from firearms-related accidents. More than half of these occur in the home, and approximately 75 percent of these accidents involve children 14 years old or younger. These accidents occur because of unsecured firearms in the home. To prevent such firearms accidents, family members must be educated about safe firearms practices and firearms must be child-proofed. Weapons should be unloaded and secured by some type of security lock, and the ammunition should be separated and stored safely somewhere else. If kept loaded and ready, the weapon should be secured in such a way (locked gun box, locker, or trigger lock) that a child cannot get to it. Police should conduct Home Safety Courses to educate community residents about how to protect their families from accidents if they choose a firearm for home defense. Such courses should explain and demonstrate the ways to secure guns in the home. Videos and statistics should be used to impress upon participants the potential danger of unsecured firearms in the home.