Safe Kids’ Safety Tips: ATV & Gun Safety
Safety & Awareness | November 2, 2024
By Carly Hermes, RN BSN for Outagamie County Public Health
Whether you are getting ready to hit the woods for deer hunting or riding some of the scenic trails Wisconsin has to offer, make ATV and gun safety part of your checklist before heading out this fall season.
Gun Safety
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends using the TAB-K formula when it comes to gun safety.
T: Treat guns as if they are loaded at all times.
A: Always have the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and never point it toward your body.
B: Be sure that you have identified your target.
K: Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready
to shoot.
Gun safety is important not only for gun hunting season, but for at home too! DID YOU KNOW these facts from Safe Kids:
- Children as young as 3 years old may be strong enough to pull the trigger of a handgun.
- Three out of four children living in a house with a gun know where the gun is, even when their parents think they do not know.
To prevent injuries and fatalities, follow these safety guidelines at all times at home:
- Keep guns out of reach and out of sight of children. Ammunition should be locked separately.
- Always store guns unloaded using a locked device such as a gunlock or safe.
- Discuss with your loved ones how to secure a gun safely.
ATV Safety
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, in 2020, there were 37,925 emergency department visits among children ages 0-19 due to ATV injuries and this number is rising at an alarming rate.
ATV use has become significantly popular in Wisconsin in recent years. It is important to follow these safety tips from ATV Safety Institutes Golden Rules every time you get behind the wheel:
- A DOT compliant helmet should be worn together with goggles, long sleeve, long pants, and gloves.
- Only allow a passenger if the ATV is designed to have a passenger.
- Always supervise riders that are 16 years old and younger.
- Say NO to drugs or alcohol.
- Riding on paved roads is unsafe and should only be done to cross and if permitted.
- ATV courses are recommended for new riders.
Go to ATVsafety.org for details.
Additional questions on ATV Safety?
Call 800-887-2887 for more information.
Safe Kids Fox Valley wishes you a happy fall season. Like us on Facebook for current safety tips, recalls and upcoming activities at Safe Kids Fox Valley.
