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    • Services and providers for Gun Safety in the U.S.

One-third of all families in America that have children also have guns, and more than 40 percent of them don't keep their guns locked up. Children younger than eight can't tell the difference between a real gun and a toy, and 3-year-olds are strong enough to pull the trigger on a real gun. Children and teens commit more than half of all unintentional shootings.

Here are some things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.

  • Teach children that they shouldn't touch guns and that if they see a gun, to leave it alone and tell an adult.
  • If your children play at another home, talk to the parents about gun safety.
  • Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
  • Always store guns unloaded.
  • Lock guns in a rack or safe, and hide the keys or combination.
  • Store ammunition away from guns and keep it locked.
  • Don't keep guns in your home if someone in your family has a mental illness, severe depression, or potential for violence.

U.S. Naval Safety Center

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U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services 		Date last updated: 26 February 2009
Topic last reviewed: 17 December 2008