Experts emphasize the importance of proper storage to prevent tragedies involving children and firearms.
A person is killed or injured almost every day in the U.S. due to a child unintentionally firing a gun, according to reports compiled by Everytown, an advocacy group for firearm safety. From 2015 to 2022, these incidents have become a growing concern, with experts agreeing that they are entirely preventable when firearms are stored safely and securely. The best practice for gun owners is to keep firearms unloaded and locked, with ammunition stored separately in a locked container.
This principle of safe storage enjoys wide support across various sectors, including the gun industry, gun control advocates, the White House, and safety experts. While the issue of gun rights remains highly polarized in the U.S., this agreement on safety highlights the shared concern for preventing unintentional shootings, suicides, and theft. By ensuring that firearms are out of reach of children and others who may harm themselves or others, these safety measures can significantly reduce the chances of firearm-related accidents.
However, many gun owners still fail to store their weapons securely. Recent surveys show that many prefer to keep their guns readily accessible, thinking that having a firearm within easy reach will allow them to protect their families in emergencies. Although safety devices can delay access to a loaded weapon, the delay is generally brief, especially with modern rapid-access solutions like biometric safes that can be opened in seconds.
Despite these solutions, experts strongly advise against the practice of simply hiding firearms in places like closets, drawers, or under mattresses. Children, by nature, are curious and may be inclined to explore, which can lead them to discover improperly stored firearms. Surveys have found that many parents wrongly assume their children don’t know where their firearms are kept, making it all the more crucial to follow expert recommendations on secure storage. Safe storage saves lives, especially in households with children.
