Firearms Safety

Utah Shooting Sports Council
Protecting Safe and Legal Gun Ownership and Use
P.O. Box 1975
Layton, UT 84041-6975
Copyright 1999-2001 by Utah Shooting Sports Council

Firearms Safety

Everyone needs to learn about firearms safety, even if they do NOT own a gun. You or your children may encounter guns in public areas, or at friends' houses. Even people who do not like guns or want to be around them should learn a few very basic safety measures and teach them to their kids.

It is a thoroughly documented fact that accidental shootings by young people have been declining for many years. Credit for this is largely due to National Rifle Association (NRA) safety programs. The anti-gun people have done little to actually prevent or reduce accidents and injuries. They simply want to take guns away from law-abiding citizens. We recognize that they may have good intentions, but their approach is absolutely wrong.

Very Young Kids Need to Know:

If you see a gun-

STOP!
Don't Touch!
Leave the Area!
Tell an Adult!

    This is the simple and very effective strategy which has been adopted for use in many communities. It was developed by the National Rifle Association as the "Eddie Eagle" program for kids. The NRA has been involved in firearms safety training for over 100 years.
    In 1998 the State of Utah adopted this approach as the approved firearms safety lesson for elementary schools in the state. The Utah Shooting Sports Council supported this legislation, and many USSC individual members and affiliated organizations help teach or financially support this education program.
    For more information on this important safety message, check the NRA's "Eddie Eagle" page

Older Children and Adults Need to Know:

Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
Keep it pointed in a safe direction.
Don't put your finger near the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

This is just a summary. We strongly recommend you take a few minutes to learn more about Basic Gun Safety Rules

Gun Owners Should Know:

Teach everyone in your family about gun safety.
Never leave a loaded gun where a child is likely to find it and handle it.
Take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized access to guns and ammunition.
Never handle guns after consuming alcohol.

We suggest you consider use of a gun safe or other suitable container for your firearms. Many fine safes are made right here in Utah. Safes can prevent theft of valuable collector's items as well as to deter access by people who might use guns in an unsafe or illegal manner. Safes vary from massive bank vault quality containers to lightweight inexpensive models. Prices range from about $150 to $2,500 depending on size and quality.

If you want to use trigger locks on your guns, read and follow the instructions Most should not be used on a loaded gun. Trigger locks are available at sporting goods stores, and even Wal-Mart. Trigger locks are priced in the $5-10.00 range. Trigger locks (like most mechanical objects) can be defeated with enough time and tools, so they will not stop someone determined to use a gun.

Deseret News Janaury 25, 2000:
Layton police handing out 1,200 gun locks for residents
      LAYTON — Police are handing out 1,200 gun locks to residents who want to make sure firearms in the home are safe from young hands.
      The giveaway is part of the "Project Homesafe" gun safety program in partnership with the Davis County Safe Home School Community's executive committee.
      The gun locks were donated by Browning Arms and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Police are asking residents take no more than two of the locks per household. Residents will be asked to show photo identification with a local address. The locks are available on a first come, first served basis.
      Police will also pass out a brochure giving firearm safety tips

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More on Gun Safety-

There are many additional gun safety resources available from the National Rifle Association at NRA Education and Training Services

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