Stop Needless Deaths with a Gun Safe

Americans love guns. Last year, 300 million firearms were registered to civilians, with about 45 percent, or 53 million households, stating the cause for ownership being primarily to protect residents from crime. This is not surprising considering that we live in a society where crime and the fear of crime are high. Sadly, the weapons that are utilized to protect residents have caused a number of accidents. Often these result in tragedy to a family member or loved one.

In 2007 alone, there were 613 fatal firearm accidents in America. Non-fatal accidents caused more than 15,000 emergency room visits and more than 5,000 hospitalizations. Many of the victims were kids who have accidentally died or suffered injuries due to the wrong use of guns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that firearm injuries are the second leading cause of non-natural deaths among children and adolescents. These accidents often took place at home when one or more kids played with a gun they found there.

One of the best ways to stop accidents is to buy a gun safe. This life-saving storage container will keep your guns and ammunition away from playful children. It prevents unauthorized persons or burglars from using your firearms and protects your guns from being damaged during a flood or fire. These containers have taken the place of wooden gun cabinets that were popular years ago, although some gun safes look like them.

Gun safes come in many models and have numerous security features such as a combination lock, digital lock and fingerprint identification, to name a few. A few have electronic and mechanical locks. Between the two, mechanical locks are advised although they may take more time to open than electronic locks. Other mechanical locks have key locks that also prevent the combination lock dial from turning. This makes it difficult for anyone to unlock the safe with multiple combinations.

By keeping your guns in a gun safe, you can avoid unfortunate accidents and sleep better knowing that your guns can't be used by your kids or burglars who break into your home. Gun safes are better than putting your gun under a pillow or hiding it in the closet. These storage vaults are a good preventive measure against the unauthorized use of your guns, and, as such, they help save lives.

The information found within this article are recommended uses and tips for firearms. If you have any questions about gun safety or for complete, accurate information regarding weapon safety, please visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at http://www.atf.gov.