A child or teen in killed once every 7 ½ hours with a gun, either by accident or by suicide. In 72% of these cases, the firearm used was housed in the victim’s own residence. Many of these weapons were locked away in a secure place, yet 48% of those who own guns do not equip them with child safety and trigger locks. 30% of gun owners keep their weapons in an unlocked, loaded state. Whether or not you have guns in your home, it is extremely important to teach your children what to do if they come across a firearm. Teach your kids these basic safety tips:
- Stop what you’re doing.
- Do not touch the gun.
- Leave the area.
- Let an adult know right away.
Stories of injury and death from accidental or intentional use of firearms fill the news each day. It is imperative that you teach your children these and other basic safety tips when you have a gun in the house. When one person causes injury or death to another with a gun out of negligence or wrongful intent, he or she may be legally liable. If a child injures someone else with a firearm, his or her parents may be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a firearm, please contact us today. Read the article here: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/05/15/guns-in-your-home-a-statistical-accident-waiting-to-happen/ Image provided by CBSLocal.