1. Keep the gun unloaded. Never leave a bullet in a stored gun.

2. Always keep the gun's safety on, even if it is unloaded.

3. Store all firearms out of children's reach and in a locked cabinet or drawer.

4. Store ammunition in a separate locked cabinet.

5. Treat all guns and firearms, including pellet guns, as if they are loaded.

6. Tell children to never touch a gun.

7. Keep no firearms in the home if someone has a history of depression or threatens suicide.

8. Teach gun safety in the home.

9. All gun owners and children of owners should take a gun safety course.

Did You Know?

Males die 14 times more than females from unintentional gunshot wounds.

90% of unintentional shootings involving children are linked to an easily accessible, loaded handgun in the home.

In a home where there have been previous episodes of depression or suicide attempts, the mere presence of a gun increases the chance of suicide, the third leading cause of death among people 15-34 years old.

Death rates for 15-19 year olds have jumped 61% and gun-related homicides are the second leading cause of death in this age group.

Facts

Guns are now a prevalent health hazard. More than half of American's families keep firearms in their homes. Injuries and deaths from firearms are escalating at an alarming rate in the United States. In1990, several states reported firearm-related injuries surpassed motor-vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death.

There is a need for firearm education. Even if you do not have guns in your home. Your children may come in contact with a gun at someone else's house.

If you choose to have a gun, firearm or pellet gun in your home, you are responsible to educate your family. You also are responsible for proper storing of all firearms.

Education is our first line of defense in eliminating unintentional gun injuries.