Firearm Safety

1 Unload your firearm 2 Lock it up 3 Make sure it stays locked 4 Don't leave it unsecured in a car

Firearms are now the leading cause of injury-related death for children and youth in North Carolina.

If you own a firearm, take steps to prevent a tragedy. When it comes to proper gun safety in the home, preventative measures can be the difference between life and unnecessary death among children and teens.

Firearms and other weapons are used for several reasons, including hunting, work and self-defense. Education, training and resources are available to keep firearms safe and secure when not in use.

Resources

Firearm Safety Tips

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office offers several tips on proper firearm safety:

  1. Always keep a firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. A “safe direction” means that the gun is pointed so that even if a negligent discharge occurred, it would not result in injury.
  2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot. When handling a gun, rest your finger outside the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Don’t touch the trigger until you are ready to fire.
  3. Firearms should be unloaded when not in use. Whenever you pick up a gun, such as when removing it from or returning it to storage, remember to point it in a safe direction and ensure it is unloaded.
  4. Be certain you understand how your firearm operates. Read the manual on your firearm. Know how to open and close the action of the firearm safely. Know how to remove any ammunition from the firearm and its magazine safely.
  5. Store your firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case when not in use. Make sure they are in a location inaccessible by children and cannot be handled by anyone without your permission.
  6. Store your ammunition in a locked location separate from firearms.
  7. Use a gun-locking device that renders the firearm inoperable when not in use. A gun lock should be used as an additional safety precaution and not as a substitute for secure storage.
  8. Make sure young people in your home are aware of and understand the safety guidelines concerning firearms. Teach young children to make sure if they find an unattended firearm in their home or neighbor’s to not touch it and tell an adult.
  9. Always unload, clean, and place your firearms in their secure storage location immediately after use.
  10. Educate everyone in your family about firearms safety.