Four Basic Safety Rules

1.Treat ALL firearms as if they were loaded.
2.DO NOT point at or cover anything with the muzzle until ready to shoot.
3.Keep trigger finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
4.Be certain of your target and your line of fire.

By learning and applying basic safety rules for proper firearms handling and storage, you can help you avoid unnecessary mishaps. Accidents with firearms are 100% avoidable.

Contact the National Rifle Assocationís Education and Training Division in Fairfax, Virginia. Ask for a list of basic gun safety and markmanship programs being taught in your area. Also, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in Newtown, Connecticut offers a brochure titled, "Firearms Responsibility in the Home," which emphasizes responsible firearms practices.

Proper Handgun Storage

It is as important to properly store your firearms when they are not in use as it is to properly handle them when they are in use. Proper storage prevents access to guns by children or other unauthorized persons and avoids firearms theft.

Teaching your child that he or she may handle firearms only when you are present is one of the most important lessons they can learn. The NRA's "Eddie Eagle" program is geared to teach children upon encountering a gun, to immediately tell an adult, without touching the gun.

Securely storing your guns and ammunition when not in use is mandatory. Installing a trigger lock and storing guns in a locked cabinet will help preclude unauthorized access. Keep the keys/combination away from children. If a critical part of the gun is removed and stored separately, it is more secure.

Those with several guns should consider a safe. Most are configured to store both long arms and handguns.

Always assume every gun is loaded until you have personally verified that it is unloaded. No bullet, fired deliberately or accidentally, can be stopped. Thus, never point a gun at someone or something you do not intend to shoot. As with driving, never mix handling or shooting of guns with drugs or alcohol. Knowledge and training are essential. Be sure to learn the gunís basic functions, safety features, potential operating hazards, special cleaning or maintenance requirements and compatible ammunition.