The U.S. population is divided when it comes to keeping firearms in the home.
A study published in BMJ Journals found that 29 percent of respondents believed that keeping a gun makes the home safer, while 40 percent felt less safe with a firearm in the house. The remainder were not sure what their stance was.
These findings reflect an interesting perception that may be fueled by dramatic headlines in the media touting firearms in the home as a link to increased risks of homicide and suicide however, researchers weighing in on the topic are conflicted.
FREE Offer: Tell Flag-Burners and National Anthem Protesters How You Really Feel
At the center of the issue is that household guns are not necessarily stored safely, as a separate study found.
This can be rectified though, and here are six tips on how to keep firearms secure in your home.
1. Keep firearms unloaded — It is recommended that gun owners keep their weapons unloaded until they are ready to use, and to keep bullets separate from firearms, Fox News noted.
2. Invest in a safety device — It is always a good idea to buy a firearm safety device for your gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, which will prevent it from being fired, explains Xavier Becerra, the attorney general of California, on the State Department of Justice website.
3. Check the trigger lock — Gun trigger locks are marketed to fit all kinds of guns but this is not always the case, Family Education noted. Ensure that the lock shaft cannot move because if there is space for it to do so, the trigger could be activated.
Prepare for Shooters & Looters, Terrorists & Tornadoes – Get the Emergency Radio Now!
4. Store firearms safely — Always keep guns out of sight. A gun safe is a good idea for locked storage, and you can increase your safety by storing the firearm in a gun box in the safe, Family Education reported.
5. Find a good place to keep the keys to your gun safe — A good idea is to keep the keys separate from both the safe and the rest of the house keys, says U.S.-based home security company, A Secure Life.
6. Teach children safety — Young children are naturally curious and a gun may be intriguing to them, which is why it is important for parents to continuously explain the dangers and to educate children on how to be safe and responsible when it comes to gun conduct, according to Fox News.
Special: Celebrate Your Flag and Your Freedom With John Wayne
© 2023 Newsmax. All rights reserved.