Educating on Secure Storage of Firearms

Gun owners and those contemplating buying guns should learn about the risks associated with guns, including that the presence of a gun in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, homicide, death during domestic violence disputes, and unintentional deaths to children and household members. Gun owners should also be educated on relevant secure storage laws and best practices for storing a gun securely, which are associated with a 78 percent lower risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries and an 85 percent reduction in the risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens. A number of states and localities have enacted laws and ordinances requiring gun dealers, school districts, and public health departments to disseminate information related to the safe storage of firearms and the risks of failing to secure guns.