There's nothing that makes people's blood boil faster than debating gun safety in the United States. The fact of that matter is that in most states, guns are legal and an enjoyable pastime for many residents. However, there's no denying that guns are dangerous, especially around children. Gun hobbyists and collectors have a responsibility to secure guns and keep them away from children. In many states like California, Colorado, Florida, and others, it's illegal to keep a gun within reach of a minor. Here are four tips for preventing tragic accidents by securing your guns at home.

Store Guns Unloaded

The safest way to store a gun in your home is to always make sure the gun isn't loaded before putting it away. According to one 2018 study, 2.7 million households store guns in the house unlocked and loaded. But consider that in 2016, 127 children were killed in accidental family fire incidents using improperly stored weapons.

Store Ammunition Separately

In addition to storing a gun unloaded, you should also store your ammunition in a separate location that you keep locked and secured. Kids pick up ideas quickly and absorb information like sponges. You might think your child has never handled your hidden gun before and has no idea how to load it but you might be wrong. According to one study, 39% of the parents who reported their child did not know the location of their hidden firearm were contradicted by their children's reports. A further 22% of those parents said their child had never handled their gun and were also contradicted by their children's reports. Children have underdeveloped brains and their curiosity often overrides their sense of safety and self-preservation so it's better to keep the ammunition away from the gun.

Use Trigger Locks

One way to help prevent gun accidents in the home is an external trigger lock. This is a two-piece security device that slips over trigger and the trigger guard and locks together, preventing the trigger from being accidentally pressed. Removing the lock requires a key or a number combination. Trigger locks are designed to deter theft and prevent unauthorized users and curious children from discharging the gun.

Get a Gun Safe

By far the safest way to keep your guns secure in your home is by owning a gun safe. A gun safe solves many of the problems that keep gun owners from properly storing their firearms. Those who have guns for protection can keep their firearms loaded and locked in the safe to ensure they have ease of access in case of an intruder. It also keeps the weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn't have them like children, thieves, or undesired users. There are many desirable features on modern safes like quick access through palm and fingerprint activated locks or safes that use RFID bracelets or key fobs. A company that specializes in wholesale safes can show you all the best options available and help you find the one that works best for your needs.