December 26, 2013
Tips for a Safe New Year
As another holiday season winds down, we hope that it was an enjoyable time for you and your loved ones. If you were among the many Americans who received the gift of a firearm this year, let me be among the first to congratulate you. Whether it’s your first, or a welcome addition to your collection, there are many memorable experiences to be gained as a gun owner.
As the recipient of a new gun, you are accepting the serious responsibility to take appropriate safety precautions in your home. Before you settle back into your daily routine, take the time to ensure you and your loved ones are knowledgeable about safe firearm storage and handling practices.
There are many ways to safely store your firearm, and employing multiple safeguards is your best protection against unauthorized access and use. Be mindful that just because a firearm is out of sight doesn’t mean it’s safe or secure.
So, please, always keep your firearms unloaded when not in use and store them where they are inaccessible to children, thieves or other unauthorized persons, such as in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case. Storing disassembled parts and ammunition separately, as well as using a locking device, will also provide you with an extra layer of security.
Recipients of firearms can learn more about safe firearm ownership, handling and storage from the resources available on our Project ChildSafe website, including:
- Key guidelines for safe firearm storage,
- Safety procedures for handling a firearm
- Information about the range of firearm storage options available
Wishing you and yours a healthy (and safe) start to the New Year.
Categories: Safety