Safe Kids Gun Safety Tips
Safety & Awareness | November 2, 2021
By Carly Hermes, RN, BSN, Safe Kids Fox Valley Coordinator
According to Safe Kids Worldwide:
it is estimated that about one third of households
with children ages 17 and under have a gun in the home.
Recommendations from Kids Health on the safest ways to store a gun:
If you have a gun at home, be sure to:
- Keep the gun unloaded and locked up in a cabinet, safe, gun vault, or storage case.
- Lock the bullets in a place separate from the gun.
- Consider using a gun lock (a lock that makes the gun unable to fire).
- Hide the keys (or passcode) to the locked storage.
More recommendations on gun safety from Safe Kids Worldwide:
- Make sure all guns are equipped with effective, child-resistant gun locks.
- If a visitor has a gun in a backpack, briefcase, handbag or an unlocked car, provide them with a locked place to hold it while they are in your home.
- Leaving guns on a nightstand, table or other place where a child can gain access may lead to injuries and fatalities.
Hunting season is upon us!
Use the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) TAB-K formula for basic gun safety every hunt, every season:
- T – Treat every gun as if it were loaded
- A – Always point the gun muzzle in a safe direction
- B – Be certain of your target and what’s beyond
- K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot
For more information on gun safety visit Safe Kids online at safekids.org, Kids Health at kidshealth.org, or Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources dnr.wisconsin.gov.
