According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, firearms claim the lives of some 4,000 children under 20 years old. While most children's firearm accidents are preventable simply by the use of a rifle or handgun safe, unintentional shootings still account for nearly 20 percent of all firearm related fatalities among children ages 14 and under. Annually, almost 90 children ages 14 and under are killed and 1,400 are treated in emergency rooms for unintentional firearm related injuries.
While over 22 million children live in households that have at least one gun, keeping a firearm in the home is a serious decision and one that should not be made lightly. Most fatal firearm accidents and suicides occur when children and teenagers discover guns at home that have been left loaded and not secured in a gun safe. Parents that do have guns in their homes can take measures to minimize firearm death and injury to children. Even households that do not have children should be aware that a relative or loved one could discover a loaded firearm when visiting.
Safe storage laws have been shown to be key by effectively reducing firearm related deaths among children by an average of 23 percent. At least 18 states have enacted child access prevention laws, which may hold adults criminally liable for failing to store loaded firearms in a place, such as a gun safe, that is inaccessible to children.
Gun safes can range in price from inexpensive handgun safes, up to deluxe rifle safe models, which can be expanded to hold up to 22 rifles for those who love to collect guns, hunt or trap shoot. An added benefit to these gun safes is insurability of the guns as well. The amount of insurance for each safe depends on the UL rating of the safe. If you are keeping a loaded weapon for personal defense, please consider that there are many gun safes with touch pad combination locks that can keep your firearms safely stored. These gun storage safes allow for quick access to a user who knows the combination. Making routine combination changes also should be a part of your safety routine.
The bottom line is that even one death by a firearm is too many, and it fuels anti-gun sentiments. If gun owners are responsible and teach their kids proper gun safety by keeping handguns and rifles locked up in a safe when not in use, they are preventing accidental injuries or death. Guns can be a pleasurable activity and offer protection to a family if used with responsibility and common sense.
A large variety of gun safes and information regarding UL ratings can be found at http://www.safeandvaultstore.com
I live in a small town in Idaho and love to spend my spare time on what I refer to as the three R's. Reading, Writing and Research.
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