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Some
forty-four million Americans exercise their rights to own a
gun. Firearms are bought for protection, hunting and recreation.
However, all too often, we hear about the tragedies. Children
are frequently the victims of firearms left within their reach.
In 1998, one child or teenager was killed every five hours in
this country, from a firearm-related accident or suicide. Owning
a gun is a serious responsibility. The National Crime Prevention
Council says there are some safety measures gun owners can take
to prevent a tragedy.
*Unload
your gun- Never leave even a single bullet in the chamber
when you store it away.
*Lock
your gun- A gun safe is the most secure storage, but a gun
box or trigger lock are other options. Remember to keep the
keys or combination in a secure place.
*Store
ammunition in a safe place- Keep it locked up and stored
separately from the gun.
*Explain
rules to the kids- Teach your children never to touch or
play with a gun without your supervision and to tell an adult
if they find one.
*Take
a course to learn how to use, maintain and store your firearm
safely.
You can find out more information on using guns safely on these
web sites:
www.unloadandlock.com
www.safekids.org/index.cfm
www.kidsandguns.org
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