Gun Safety Tips for Kids
Even if you don't own a gun, it's important to teach kids about gun safety. They may find a gun outside, or come across a gun in a public area. If you do own guns and plan to teach your kids to shoot, they need to know how to handle guns safely. The basics of gun safety for kids are covered below. For more information, contact your state department of fish and wildlife for info on gun safety courses.
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If You Find a Gun
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If you find a strange gun, do not touch it or pick it up. Don't assume any gun is a toy. Instead, leave the immediate area and inform an adult that you trust, such as a parent, neighbor or police officer.
Handling a Gun
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When using a gun, never point the barrel at a person, even if you think the gun is empty. Treat every gun as if it were loaded, and always point the gun in a safe direction. Some guns automatically load a bullet into the firing chamber. Even if you remove the bullet cartridge, the gun can still be loaded and able to fire.
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Firing a Gun
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Never handle a gun without a parent or adult present. Never load a gun until you are ready to use it, and never touch the trigger until you are ready to fire. Do not trust the safety switch on the gun. Never rest a loaded gun against another object. It could fall with enough force to cause it to fire.
Using Guns While Hunting
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Take a hunting safety course with your parent or parents. Many states offer them as a requirement. The National Rifle Association also offers a Youth Hunter Education Challenge course. When you are using a gun for hunting, never fire at an animal you can't see. It could be another person hiding in the brush. If you are firing at a target, wait until other people and animals are out of the line of fire.
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