6 Gun Safety Tips for Homes With Children

For parents in Central New York who own firearms, ensuring the safety of children in the home must be a top priority.

While guns can provide protection and peace of mind, they also pose a serious risk when not properly stored or handled. Every year, children are injured or killed in accidental shootings—many of which are preventable with simple safety measures.

If you’re a homeowner with children, here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe.

1. Store Guns Securely and Inaccessibly
The most effective way to protect children from accidental gun injuries is to store all firearms unloaded, locked, and out of sight.

Use a gun safe, lockbox, or trigger/cable lock. Never leave a gun in a nightstand, glove compartment, or under a bed. Young children are curious and can discover hidden firearms more easily than many adults expect.

Ammunition should also be locked up separately from the firearm to prevent unauthorized use.

2. Use Child-Proof Safety Devices
Invest in safety technology designed to prevent child access. Biometric safes, for example, only open with a registered fingerprint and can provide quick access for parents while keeping guns completely secure from kids. Mechanical trigger locks or chamber locks are inexpensive and can add another layer of protection, especially when combined with secure storage.

3. Teach Children to Respect Firearms—Not to Fear or Play with Them
As soon as they’re old enough to understand, children should be taught basic gun safety rules. They should know:

• Stop if they see a gun.
• Don’t touch it.
• Leave the area.
• Tell an adult immediately.

Avoid making guns seem mysterious or forbidden. Open, honest conversations help demystify firearms and reduce the chances of unsupervised curiosity turning dangerous.

4. Be a Role Model of Responsible Behavior
Children learn by watching adults. Always handle firearms with care and model responsible behavior. Never joke about using guns or leave one out, even briefly.

Let your children see that you treat firearms with seriousness and respect—and they’ll learn to do the same.

5. Limit Access Even During Emergencies
Even if you keep a gun for home defense, make sure it’s stored in a way that balances security and accessibility. Quick-access safes allow adults to retrieve a weapon when needed but remain child-proof.

Do not rely on hiding places or thinking your child “won’t find it.” Children are naturally curious and tend to explore their environments thoroughly.

6. Keep Communication Open
Talk to other parents and caregivers about gun safety. Before playdates or visits, it’s okay to ask if there are firearms in the home and how they are stored. This may feel uncomfortable, but it’s a crucial step in protecting your children outside your own home.

Gun Safety in Homes With Children Isn’t Just About Preventing Accidents
It’s about creating a safe, responsible environment for your family to thrive. By locking firearms, separating ammunition, teaching safety rules, and modeling responsible behavior, parents can enjoy the protection of firearm ownership without putting their children at risk.

When it comes to kids and guns, safety always comes first.

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.