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For Parents: Gun Safety Checklist

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest home for a child is one without guns. This is the best way to prevent accidental gun injuries, suicides and homicides. If you choose to have guns in your house, you can help decrease the risk of harm to your children by following these safety rules:

Follow these rules

  • Never point a gun at anyone. Even if you know the gun is unloaded.

  • Teach your child to stay away from guns. If your child sees a gun, they should remember:

    • Do not touch the gun

    • Move away from the gun

    • Tell an adult right away

  • Keep a trigger lock on your gun. Treat all guns as if they're working and loaded.

  • Never leave a gun unattended.

  • Keep guns unloaded in a locked place. For example, in a gun safe or lock box. Keep ammunition locked in a separate place.

  • If your child spends time at the home of family or friends, ask about guns and how they are stored.

Checklist

☐ I have spoken to my child about what to do if they see a gun.

☐ I store my unloaded gun in a locked place.

☐ I store the ammunition in a separate locked place.

☐ My child can't access the key or combination for the gun safe or lock box.

Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Melinda Murray Ratini DO
Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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