The Basics
Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of your most important responsibilities. You must always secure your firearm and ammunition so that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.
Don’t dismiss the need to store guns safely. The consequences can cause serious injury or death. Follow these guidelines to keep firearms away from all unauthorized persons:
1. Always remove ammunition from guns.
2. Assure no unauthorized persons have access to your gun.
3. Place ammunition in a locked location, separate from guns. When deciding where to store ammunition, remember to select a secure place that is out of sight and reach of children.
4. Secure unloaded firearms with a gun lock, gun alarm or other type of tamper-proof device. These might render the gun inoperable.
5. Store unloaded guns in a gun cabinet, safe, or locked gun vault. Remember to place a locked storage case where children can’t find it.
6. Keep gun storage keys away from the “every day” keys.
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If You Do Not Own A Gun:
- Talk with your children about the risk of gun injury outside the home in places where they may visit and play.
- Tell your children to stay away from guns when they are in the homes of their friends.
- Speak with the parents of your children’s friend to determine whether they have a gun in the home.
- If they do, urge them to empty it out and lock it up.
Teach your children these steps to follow if they encounter a gun:
1. Stop!
2. Don't touch.
3. Leave the area.
4. Tell an adult.
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Source: Article adapted from content published on www.TN.gov