Responsible firearms owners know that firearm safety is a priority in order to protect our children, prevent injuries, and keep our communities safe. Nearly all firearm accidents that occur in the home can be prevented by taking simple safety precautions.

 The number one way to prevent accidents and your firearm from getting into the wrong hands is proper and secure storage when not in use. All firearms should be kept in a locked storage case, cabinet or safe when not in use; this ensures that they are inaccessible to children and cannot be used without your permission. Storage cases are used for locking up and storing a firearm and are available in various sizes to accommodate firearms from handguns to hunting rifles and shotguns. For most storage solutions, there is the option of a digital keypad or combination lock to prevent unauthorized access.

 Even though the firearm is stored securely, a gun lock should be used as an additional safety measure and makes the firearm inoperable when not in use, especially on the off chance that someone accesses your storage cabinet. The most common gun locks are trigger and cable. As the name indicates, trigger locks prevent someone from being able to pull the trigger. A cable lock is placed through the gun barrel, which hinders firing and loading. Both are available in a variety of options from key lock to combination locks. Additionally, firearms should always be unloaded when not in use. Ammunition should be stored separately from firearms in a locked location.

 When taking it out of or returning to storage, make sure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction, meaning the gun is pointed in such a way that if there was an accidental discharge, no injury would occur. Before using your firearm, learn how it operates - including firing the gun and safely removing ammunition - by reading the owner's manual. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are actually ready to fire; rest your finger along the side of your gun when at rest. Once finished using your firearm, immediately unload, clean, and return them to their secure storage.

 Lastly, educate everyone in your home about firearms safety, especially children. If they find an attended firearm, instruct them not to touch it and notify a trusted adult.

USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Course is a 16-hour course and meets the Illinois State Police requirements for the Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate that is required when renewing their Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Visit us online to learn more, or call us at 815-501-9421 with any questions.

 Sources https://www.projectchildsafe.org/safety/safe-storage https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2016/4/14/6-ways-to-safely-store-your-firearms/
Location: Northern Illinois Carry LLC

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