Gun Safety / Storage: Stats & Solutions

Most gun owners don’t lock firearms up securely…and firearms are the leading cause of death in American children. Practice gun safety, and – if you haven’t already – invest in a gun safe.

In other countries, the leading causes of children’s deaths are vehicle accidents and cancer. In the United States, it’s firearms. This is especially top of mind, due to the recent school shooting in Nashville and the one-year anniversary approaching of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. 

When looking at this age group’s mortality in other countries, guns are not even in the top three nor the top four leading causes, and since 2000, child firearm deaths have increased in the U.S. while decreasing everywhere else. 

Also in America, around 45% of households own at least one gun, and out of that number, more than half store firearms unlocked. With 58% storing at least one unlocked and hidden and 18% storing at least one unlocked and unhidden, gun owners tend to think locks will slow them down in the event of an emergency.

When firearms are stored securely, most people turn to gun safes. There are a variety of selections, such as:

• fire-rated safes 
• those that can be rented
• in-wall / in-ground safes 
• vaults
• under-the-bed safes 
• those that open by key, PIN code, dial, or biometrics   
• plus a variety of colors, financing options, and the opportunity to have safes delivered, installed, and repaired

After hearing recent news and reading recent studies, consider the following gun safety / firearm storage tips:

1. Talk about gun storage and firearms safety. This is especially important if there are any in your household and/or if you have children.
2. Treat all guns like they are loaded. This is a wise way to practice caution.
3. Store firearms unloaded. The previous step should be kept in mind at all times…even though everything should be kept empty.
4. Store ammunition elsewhere. A child or an intruder could find your firearm, which is why bullets, accessories, and so on should be kept somewhere else. 
5. Lock guns up securely. If there is a gun in your house, your place of business, your vehicle…Make sure it is in a lock box or a locked safe like the ones offered by Cothron’s.

With so many people owning guns…With so many mass shootings taking place across the country…With firearms being the main contributor to child mortality in America…Know this firearm safety information, share it, do it, and get a safe and secure gun storage solution.

As a reminder, Cothron’s sells safes in Austin, Texas, with an array of ratings, sizes, colors, materials, and locks. We offer safe delivery, safe installations, safe repairs, and financing options, as well. Learn more here, and visit us at one of our shop locations to browse/buy.