Firearm Safety

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE FIREARMS IN YOUR HOME

Securing your firearms should be a priority, even if you don’t have children at home. Securing your firearm decreases the chances of theft due to firearms being a favorite target of thieves. Safely storing a firearm and using a firearm safety device can also eliminate or minimize the risk of unintentional death, injury, or damage caused by improper handling of firearms.

Each month, the SLCPD investigates about three firearms stolen from cars. Most of the cases involve firearms left unsecured. Proper storage, especially in vehicles, is not only responsible, it protects lives. 

If your firearm is stolen and you don’t have the serial number, law enforcement cannot enter it into the national database. This impedes our ability to track or recover it. The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is the nationwide system used by police to identify and recover stolen firearms. Entry into NCIC improves the chances of recovery, builds stronger cases, and protects public safety. 

HOW TO SAFELY STORE YOUR FIREARM:
  • Storage methods include keyed locks, combination locks, lock boxes and firearm safes.
  • Keep the keys out of reach of children and where others cannot find them.
  • Store ammunition in a separate, securely locked container.
  • Use a firearm safety device such as a trigger lock or a cable lock.
DOCUMENT SERIAL NUMBERS:
  • Recording a serial number is simple and free. Download a form to record serial numbers here.
  • If your firearm is stolen and you don’t have the serial number, law enforcement cannot enter it into the national database. This impedes our ability to track or recover it. 
  • Without a serial number, a stolen gun can’t be traced or flagged. That missing information can make it easier for your gun to circulate on the street or be used in a crime. 

BASIC FIREARM SAFETY RULES

  • Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
  • Always keep your finger off the trigger until you have made the decision to fire.
  • Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to shoot.
  • Know your target, your target’s environment, and any other safety hazard before you fire.
  • Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

CHILDREN AND
GUN SAFETY

Teach children that guns need to be used safely and responsibly. Remember that hiding a gun is not enough, it needs to be locked up.
  • Keep guns locked and out of reach of children.
  • Store ammunition and guns separately.
  • Never leave a gun out.
  • Tell your kids to never touch a gun or gun parts inside the home.
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO FOLLOW THESE FOUR STEPS IF THEY SEE A GUN:

- Stop
- Don’t Touch
- Leave the Area
- Tell an Adult

Download as a printable brochure.

Download an inventory form.

FAQ'S

1What are Gun Owners' Responsibilities?
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that guns are stored safely. The number one rule of gun storage is to store your guns so that they are inaccessible to any unauthorized users, especially children.
2How Do I Talk to My Child About Guns?
There is no specific age to talk with your child about guns but a good time to start is once they show interest in firearms. The interest might come from family, friends, toy guns, video games or from the television. Talk openly about gun safety, that approach is more productive than ordering him or her to “Don’t touch that,” and leaving it at that.
3How Often Should I Teach My Child About Gun Safety?
There is no set time but repetition will help children remember standard safety procedures.