Whether you have guns in the house for self-defense or you enjoy hunting, these weapons should only be accessible to those who know how to use them safely. For households with kids, this means keeping all firearms out of reach in gun safes and teaching best practices when your kids are old enough. Here are some specific tips to keep in mind. 

A Guide to Gun Safety Tips for Families

1. Store Guns and Ammunition in a Safe

When not in your direct possession, guns should be unloaded and stored in a locked safe or cabinet. Store ammunition separately, and make sure your kids don’t have access to the key or combination for either. 

If possible, use a gun safe with a fingerprint scanner so no one can access it except you. Get in the habit of placing guns in these locations right away when you return home so they’re not accidentally left in an accessible spot. 

2. Demonstrate Proper Gun Safety

When handling firearms, especially around your family, keep them unloaded and avoid pointing them at anyone or putting your finger on the trigger. This doesn’t just prevent accidents; it also shows your children how to properly handle weapons, even if they’re not old enough to do so yet. Additionally, clean your guns regularly, since this can prevent the chamber from jamming or malfunctioning. 

3. Talk to Children

Young children should not be allowed to handle a gun, even when it's unloaded. However, you can talk to them about how guns can cause serious injury and should only be operated by adults. When your kids reach an age where they might start hunting or learning how to shoot, show them how to safely hold it away from others and unload it. Avoid giving them access to your gun safe, even if you feel they are old enough to use one. 
 

If you’re looking for gun safes, contact Safe & Knife Co. They have four convenient locations in Rogers, Brainerd, and Lakeville, MN, and Hudson, WI. The company has been serving these communities for more than 40 years, providing safes made with U.S. materials from top suppliers like Champion and American Security. They even offer in-home delivery. Visit the website to browse available gun safes, or call (612) 799-1303 to speak with a team member.