Learn to prevent firearms injuries

Nearly all childhood unintentional shooting deaths occur in or around the home. And most of those involve firearms that have been loaded and accessible to children.

The big problem in Canada and the United States is that many children between the ages of five and 14 have died from unintentional firearms injuries during recreational activities or at home.

Remember, children are curious by nature and will eagerly explore their environment!

To protect our children, we child-proof our homes and make sure dangerous chemicals, prescription drugs, and sharp objects are locked away. We tell our children they should not talk to strangers, or spend time with kids who are breaking the law or taking drugs.

The same steps must be taken to keep children from firearm injuries!

Unrealistic perceptions of children’s capabilities and behavioural tendencies with regard to firearms are common. Often, people misunderstand a child’s ability to gain access to and fire a gun, distinguish between real and toy guns, make good judgments about handling a gun, and consistently follow rules about gun safety.

If there is a firearm in your home, it should be unloaded and locked away from the sight and reach of children. Bullets should always be stored in a separate, locked place!

Children should be taught to tell an adult if they find or see a firearm. They must realize that if they see bullets, a gun, or anything that looks like a gun, leave the area and tell an adult immediately!

It is important to stress to children that guns can kill or cause lifelong disabilities and pain!

“If you never need what you learn about personal safety, you have lost nothing. If you never learn what you need, you may lose everything . . . your family and your life!”