Project ChildSafe is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting firearm safety. It educates firearm owners on the importance of securely storing firearms and ammunition separately to prevent accidents and unauthorized access. The document provides information on basic firearm safety rules, securing firearms and ammunition in the home, transporting firearms safely, and educating children about firearm safety. It emphasizes that firearm safety is everyone's responsibility, not just those with children, and stresses the importance of training and secure storage practices.
Introduce the instructors.
Who has been to Shoot Smart before? Welcome!
Is there anyone who hasn’t shot before today?
More than 15,000 law enforcement agencies have partnered with the program to distribute more than 36 million firearms safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories.
Through vital partnerships with elected officials, community leaders, state agencies, businesses, the firearms industry and other stakeholders,
Know how the firearm operates — including safely opening and closing the action of the firearm, and removing ammunition from the gun or its magazine. For free safety and operating instructions, write to the manufacturer or visit its website.
Always keep a gun pointed in a safe direction, even when handling an unloaded gun — so that if it were to fire it would not result in injury.
Never assume that a firearm is unloaded. Immediately open the action and look into the chamber(s) for ammunition, or if the gun has a magazine, carefully remove it before opening the action.
Always keep your finger off the trigger, even when handling an unloaded gun. Your finger should rest outside the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. The only time you should touch the trigger is when you are ready to safely fire.
According to the Star Telegram just this year (2016) 23 toddlers have been able to get ahold of a firearm and cause injury or worse to themselves of others. 7 of these instances have been since April 20.
The best way to store a firearm when not in use is unloaded and with the ammunition in a separate location. However if you are comfortable with it, and if your intended use for the firearm is for protection. We recommend storing the firearm so that it is loaded and in a secure container such as a safe or lock box.
Just remember the firearm still needs to be secure from unauthorized people. We recommend a safe that will give you quick access under stress but still keep your firearm secure when you are not around.
Just because you don't have children doesn't mean that there will never be children in your house who may be curious about guns. Accidents and misuse are possible when kids or other unauthorized persons come across a firearm not stored properly. For safe firearm storage options, we have several recommendations to fit your lifestyle and budget.
Nearly all firearms accidents in the home can be prevented by making sure that guns are kept unloaded and responsibly stored to prevent unauthorized access, with ammunition secured in a separate, locked location. Our safe handling tips help remind firearm owners of safety procedures.
“Hiding” firearms is no guarantee that children won’t find them.
Children are naturally curious so “secret” places don’t stay secret long.
Talk with your children about firearms safety.
Remember to ALWAYS secure your firearms when not in use. This means unloaded and not accessible by unauthorized people
Whenever you pick up a gun, such as when removing it from or returning it to storage, remember to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger and check to make sure it is unloaded. The best way to prevent accidents is by being knowledgeable on firearm safety practices. For more information about gun safety, visit our safety resource page, which has numerous resources for gun owners.
Do not trust "secret" hiding places. Such "secrets" tend to be uncovered when you aren't around, and it's likely kids in your home already know where a gun is hidden. Hiding a gun doesn't take the place of securely storing a gun. Our safe storage page has additional recommendations for how to secure your firearm when it's not in use.
Remember that one conversation about firearm safety is not enough, talk to your kids as much as possible about this important topic so that the message sticks.
Good times to talk about firearms safety with kids:
At the range
At home
When cleaning firearms
When handling firearms
At stores that sell firearms
Firearms should only be handled by a child when they have permission from an adult and that adult is present. Make sure that children understand what this means.
One or two conversations with your children on the topic of gun safety may not be enough. We know children need multiple reminders (think how many times parents say, “Brush your teeth!”). Our “How to Talk to Your Kids about Gun Safety” video provides insight on how often to talk with your children about gun safety and what to say to them so they can respond properly if they see an unsecured firearm.
To educate your children how to respond if they see a gun that is not secured, have a talk with them and consider the child's pledge as a way to remind them of your conversation.
Use notes below to discuss pros and cons of each example above.
Cable Locks: $10-$50 (you will all be receiving one free today when you leave)
A cable lock can be used on most firearms. The cable runs through the barrel or action of a firearm to prevent it from being accidentally fired, requiring either a key or combination to unlock it. (it is recommended that a cable lock be used in conjunction with other safe storage methods to help prevent accidents)
Gun Case: $10-$150
For those looking to conceal, protect or legally transport a firearm, a gun case is an affordable solution available in a variety of materials including plastic, fabric or metal. Be sure to lock it with an external device for added security.
Lock Box: $25-$350
With integrated lock, storage boxes provide reliable protections for firearms, and allow gun owners to legally transport them outside of the home.
Electronic lock boxes: $50-$350
Electronic lock boxes are an effective way to store or legally transport firearms, and they also prevent theft since only the person with the code can access the contents. Some electric lock boxes are specifically designed for quick access to stored firearms.
Full sizes and biometric gun safes: $200-$2500
A gun safe protects its contents from the elements and allows owners to safely store multiple firearms in one place. Gun safes of all sizes are now available with biometric options to ensure only certain people have access.
In Texas:
Firearms do not have to be registered with the state and you do not need a license to own a firearm
Firearms may be transported within the state provided:
The firearm is concealed
You are not in the commission of a crime
You can legally possess a firearm
You are not a member of a known street gang
Ammunition and firearms should both be stored securely and seperatly.
A firearm locking device can help deter access to a gun by unauthorized persons, particularly children, and when used with a safe, gun vault or other secure storage, can help prevent accidents. Project ChildSafe provides free safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock and safety instructions, to law enforcement partners around the country. To find out more, visit our safety kit page.
Your sporting firearms should be unloaded and properly secured when not in use. As a gun owner, consider refreshing your firearm safety practices with our safety tips for the home.
A LTC does make it easier to purchase a firearm as a background check is not necessicary. The class also teaches you about Texas Firearms laws.
Usually a background check takes 30 minutes, but can take up to 3 days if you are delayed.
Find Your Fit Consultations are available fro those looking to purchase a firearm. Make sure you get the firearm that is the right fit for you, not for someone else.
You are more likiey to preacice with and use a firearm that you are comfortable with and enjoy shooting.
Training will help you become more familiar and comfortable around firearms as well as helping you become a safe firearms owner.
Private instruction is also available to bridge any gaps between training or for those who are a bit more apprehensive.
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