Whether it’s for hunting or home protection, many Americans choose to keep firearms in their home for a number of reasons. However, it’s undeniable that owning a gun can spell danger if the homeowners have not taken the proper precautions to ensure that their children, pets, and neighbors are safe when they are in their home. As a gun owner, you need to take special care to make sure that your firearm is secure and out of harm’s way. Here are some of the first steps that you can take to make sure that your gun is secure when you’re in the home and when you’re out.

• Check your outdoor locks. One of the most dangerous situations that you can put your family in is having your firearm laying around should a robbery or burglary occur. Making sure that all your locks on your home (including all windows and doors) are in good working order is one of the strongest things that you can do to prevent burglaries and robberies. Set aside time to regularly ensure that your locks are functioning as needed. If you notice that one or two need a tune-up, a commercial locksmith in Philadelphia can have them fixed quickly and effectively, increasing the safety of your home.

• Have a secure gun safe. With no exceptions, your firearms should always be locked away when not in use. Make sure to install a gun safe in your home, and if you own multiple firearms, double check that they are properly locked up every time you leave your home; this is especially true if you are leaving children with a babysitter. If you don’t already have a gun safe, our experts here at Mike’s Lock Shop can help you to choose the best option for your collection.

• Teach your children about proper gun safety. The unfortunate victims of many accidental gun injuries are young children under the age of five. Teach your children proper gun safety, and make sure that they know never to touch a gun at home or at a friend’s house. Instruct them to tell an adult they trust if they see a gun; this will help to avoid accidental injuries both in the home and outside.

Want to learn more about locking systems and gun safes that will make your home safer? Contact our experts here at Mike’s Lock Shop to learn more!