Every day, people are injured or killed because guns aren't stored or handled safely. Those who enjoy hunting and shooting sports bear the responsibility of transporting and storing their firearms safely. Safe storage protects you and the people around you. In fact, it is against the law to store, transport or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to obtain access to it.
Learning how to handle your gun carefully and keeping it stored properly can help save lives.
Whenever you transport a firearm, whether you're going hunting or to a shooting range, it should always be unloaded and secured in a case. Vehicles are the primary source of stolen guns, according to FBI statistics, so make sure your firearms are out of sight and locked up in your vehicle when traveling. Window gun racks may be an invitation to thieves.
When hunting, often you will be moving to a location, such as a blind, in darkness. Keep the firearms unloaded and in a case until you arrive and are prepared to hunt so your firearms stay clean, protected and safe.
When you're back home, follow these guidelines for firearm safety:
- Make sure your guns are unloaded. Store guns locked using a trigger lock or biometric lock. Firearms should be stored in a cool, clean and dry gun cabinet or safe.
- Store and lock ammunition safely and away from firearms.
- Prevent others from getting access to your stored firearms. That includes family, friends, children and visitors.
