Oct 16, 2026 · 2 min · 3 segments
Firearms-related injuries are the second-leading cause of death among children — and they’re largely preventable. A researcher offers tips to prevent tragedy at home. For more information about this…
One, eliminate access to guns.
The only proven method of preventing accidental firearm injuries is the absence of a firearm from the home, Carter says.
Two, properly store all firearms.
If your family has decided to keep guns at home, it's critical they are stored properly.
Firearms should be unloaded and secured in a locked gun cabinet.
Ammunition should be stored in a separate locked cabinet.
Keys to these cabinets should be kept in a place inaccessible to children.
Three, don't assume hiding your guns is enough.
Research has shown that three out of four children ages five to fourteen know where firearms are hidden in the home, and one in three have handled a firearm in the home, many without a parent's knowledge.
Four, know the limits of gun safety education.
There are several programs intended to teach children how to safely handle a gun.
While such programs may provide a framework for teaching young people about gun safety, research has shown they do little to prevent accidents.
Five, ask other parents if they have a gun in their home.
Many gun owners aren't likely to broadcast their ownership, so it's important that parents make a point to ask.
Six, be cautious of guns marketed as childproof.
Firearm manufacturers have introduced new technology that is intended to make guns harder for children to operate.
While these features have the potential to save lives, they are not foolproof.
One, eliminate access to guns.
The only proven method of preventing accidental firearm injuries is the absence of a firearm from the home, Carter says.
Two, properly store all firearms.
If your family has decided to keep guns at home, it's critical they are stored properly.
Firearms should be unloaded and secured in a locked gun cabinet.
Ammunition should be stored in a separate locked cabinet.
Keys to these cabinets should be kept in a place inaccessible to children.
Three, don't assume hiding your guns is enough.
Research has shown that three out of four children ages five to fourteen know where firearms are hidden in the home, and one in three have handled a firearm in the home, many without a parent's knowledge.
Four, know the limits of gun safety education.
There are several programs intended to teach children how to safely handle a gun.
While such programs may provide a framework for teaching young people about gun safety, research has shown they do little to prevent accidents.
Five, ask other parents if they have a gun in their home.
Many gun owners aren't likely to broadcast their ownership, so it's important that parents make a point to ask.
Six, be cautious of guns marketed as childproof.
Firearm manufacturers have introduced new technology that is intended to make guns harder for children to operate.
While these features have the potential to save lives, they are not foolproof.
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