Too many guns are falling into the wrong hands. Firearms are now the leading cause of injury-related death for children and youth in the state, and gun thefts are on the rise. If you own a firearm, make sure it’s safely secured. Learn more about the safe firearm storage laws in North Carolina to protect minors.
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How to Store a Gun Safely
1. Unload your firearm.
It is best practice to always unload your gun when it’s not in use. Take the time to familiarize yourself with how to unload and clean your specific firearm. When unloading, make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction, preferably to the ground. Remove ammunition, and triple-check that the chamber is unloaded. Never let your guard down: Remember to always handle your gun carefully, as if it is still loaded.
2. Lock it up.
There are several ways to safely lock up your firearm, including gun safes, lockboxes, gun cases, cable locks, and trigger locks. Some of these now include biometric and electronic lock options. For an additional layer of security, consider separating ammunition and firearms when locking them up.
3. Make sure it stays locked.
If your gun lock uses a key, make sure you’re the only one who knows where it’s hidden. If the lock uses a combination or code, don’t use one that an older child might be able to guess, such as a birthday, an anniversary, or the last four digits of your phone number.
4. Don’t leave it unsecured in a car.
More and more guns in North Carolina are being stolen out of parked cars. If you leave a gun in your car, make sure the gun is out of sight and secured with a lock or in a gun case. Consider storage options designed specifically for vehicles, and don’t forget to lock your car too.
(Source: NC S.A.F.E. - Safe Storage 101)
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