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Gun Safety
Recently an 11 year old San Jose girl was killed when her playmate accidentally discharged a gun which he found in his home. This type of tragedy is not uncommon. According to the National Safety Council, in 1987, accidental shootings were the leading cause of accidental death to children 14 and younger. One child per day dies as the result of accidental handgun shootings in the United States.
There are, however, simple, common sense measures which can be taken to prevent incidents like these.
First, if you have a firearm, there are safety courses available. For referrals or information, call the State Fish and Game Department in San Jose at (408) 649-2870, or local sporting good stores, gun shops or shooting ranges. Firearms can be secured in the home through various measures such as trigger locks, locked gun cabinets, or lock boxes. Gun cleaning kits provide instructions on safety while cleaning a gun.
Education can be a lifesaver Don't let the mystery surrounding a gun in the home arouse children's curiousity. Show them the gun and explain what can happen if it is not handled properly. Make rules about gun safety clear to children.
In a 1987 report in California, there were 130 accidental deaths from firearms. For every accidental death, there are 5 non-fatal injuries. The safest, surest measure in preventing gun accidents is the simplest, don't have any guns in the home.