FIREARM STATISTICS: Why it is important to be VERY CAREFUL with firearms.

Every two hours, a child is killed with a gun in a homicide, suicide, or unintentional shooting.

Additionally, even more children survive, but are seriously injured or disabled.

A gun in the home is 43 times more likely to be used to kill a family member or friend than it is to be used against a burglar or criminal.

In pediatric trauma units, one in every twenty-five admissions is due to a gunshot wound.

If you have a gun in your home, follow these tips for safety:

Keep the gun unloaded and stored out of children's reach in a locked cabinet or case.

Never leave a bullet in a stored gun.

Keep the safety on, even if the gun is unloaded.

Store the ammunition in a separate locked cabinet away from children's reach.

Treat all guns and firearms as if they are loaded.

Make sure the whole family is familiar with the guns in the home.

Teach gun safety in the home, and tell children never to touch a gun.

All household members should take a gun safety course.

Do not keep guns in the house if a family member has a history of depression or threatens suicide.

Make sure a regularly used gun is inspected by a qualified gunsmith every two years.

Make sure you keep the gun clean and lubricated to the manufacturer's specifications.

Keep your finger off the trigger when handling the gun.

Open the action immediately to check for ammunition when handling the gun.

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Teach your children that the violence on television is not real. They need to be reminded that people are hurt badly and killed by guns.

Tell your children that if they see a gun at a friend's house or anywhere else that they should stay away from it.