At the end of 2022 Löwe and I welcomed a wonderful addition to our family, and now that we have a little gunsmith following us around everywhere home safety has become our top priority, and if you're anything like me (ADHD, anxious, riddled with intrusive thoughts) then knowing where to begin can be a little overwhelming. So, let's discuss some best practices you can adopt to maintain a safe kid-friendly and gun-friendly environment.
Secure Storage is Key: First things first – safe and secure storage is non-negotiable. Invest in a quality gun safe to keep your firearms out of curious hands. With a little one crawling around, you'll want to ensure they can't accidentally stumble upon anything they shouldn't be playing with. For quick access in home defense situations you can invest in a biometric safe, that way it is still secure from your tiny explorer.
Educate, Educate, Educate: Teaching your little one about firearm safety might sound ambitious, but it's essential. As they grow, they'll become more curious, and it's better they understand the potential danger rather than treating it like a forbidden mystery. Simple conversations about guns, gun safety, that they're not toys and are only handled by grown-ups can go a long way. Allow them to help and watch as you clean and dismantle your firearms, explaining how each one operates. Once our little one is older, we plan to introduce them to firearms by taking them along on shooting trips, and eventually will allow supervised shooting if they're interested.
Childproofing Techniques: Childproofing isn't just for electrical outlets and cabinets. Secure your gun storage space with childproof locks or even consider adding an extra layer of security to your gun safe. The goal is to make it practically impossible for little fingers to get anywhere near your firearms without your supervision.
Separate Ammunition and Firearms: Another key practice is to store ammunition separately from your firearms. This adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring that even if your little one somehow accesses your gun safe, they won't stumble upon loaded firearms. Safety is all about layers, and this simple step can make a big difference. We have opted to have a separate safe for our ammo.
Routine Safety Checks: Make firearm safety part of your routine. Regularly check that your firearms are securely stored, and your safe hasn't been tampered with. This not only ensures a safe environment but also provides peace of mind.
Model Responsible Behavior: Children are sponges, absorbing everything around them. By modeling responsible behavior with firearms, you're laying the groundwork for a healthy understanding of their place in your home. Always follow the golden rules of firearm safety and let your little one see that responsible firearm ownership is part of your family values.
Seek Professional Advice: If you're unsure about the best practices for home firearm safety, don't hesitate to seek advice from professionals (law enforcement, child care experts, or child safety experts) or join local parenting and firearm safety communities. There's a wealth of knowledge out there, and sharing experiences can be invaluable.
Being a new mom while working in the firearms industry means finding that delicate balance between passion and responsibility. With these tips, I've created a safe home environment where my little one can grow and explore while respecting the role of firearms in our lives. Remember, it's all about education, secure storage, and modeling responsible behavior – here's to a safe and happy home!
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