Keep matches and lighters locked up and out of sight. This is a question every parent should ask before allowing their children to visit another child s home. Maybe you ve been asked this question before a friend of your child could visit. Part of the reason children are at risk is because adults have unrealistic expectations regarding children and guns. Children as young as three are strong enough to pull the trigger on many handguns.
Adults believe children know the difference between a real gun and a toy.
Under the age of eight, most children can t tell toys from the real thing. Even children who know how to handle guns make errors in judgment when showing off with friends. A gun in the home is a danger to children. Always store firearms unloaded, locked up, out of children s reach. Ammunition should be stored separately, out of children s reach.