Protecting firearms when not in use is the #1 way to help prevent accidents, thefts and misuse. It’s a simple step that can make a real difference in making your home and community safer.

“We have to remember that young children can be curious about guns,” said New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones. “Even if you have spoken with your children about gun safety, they don’t always realize how dangerous those weapons can be.”

If you have a firearm at home, be sure to:

• Keep the gun unloaded and locked up in a cabinet, safe, gun vault, or storage case.
• Lock the bullets in a place separate from the gun.
• Consider using a gun lock (a lock that makes the gun unable to fire).
• Hide the keys (or passcode) to the locked storage.
• Thoroughly double check firearms to confirm that they are unloaded when you remove them from storage.

By taking these simple steps, we can help to protect our children from situations that can lead to injury or even death.

Click here for a PDF about firearm responsibility and safety.