Firearm Safety

Some simple steps and precautions can go a long way in preventing tragic injury or death. Always take firearms use, and the handling of firearms seriously. As a responsible and informed firearm owner, you can use these steps for proper use, storage and handling.

• Always assume a firearm is loaded.
• Always keep a firearm pointed in a safe direction.
• Know your target and what is beyond.
• Keep guns unloaded until ready to use.
• Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
• Educate all persons in the home about firearm safety and the importance of practicing firearm safety.
• Never store a loaded firearm in an unsecure manner.
• Utilize a trigger or breach lock to secure firearms.
• Storing your firearms unloaded in a locked safe is the best method.
• Store ammunition and firearms separately in locked containers.

Firearms may protect and preserve life but can also be a potentially deadly threat to innocents. The proper use, handling, and storage of firearms should always be a responsible owner’s priority.

Section 790.174, Florida Statutes, requires a loaded firearm in the home to be stored in a locked box container or secured with a trigger lock if the owner reasonably knows that a child under the age of 16 can gain access to the firearm.

Many organizations have come up with rules and steps to promote the safe handling and use of firearms. Your local gun store or even sheriff’s office is a great place to ask about classes and material to learn about proper firearm safety.