SAFETY

GUN SAFETY

The attributes involved in properly handling a firearm are essentially the same as those involved in safely driving an automobile or operating industrial machinery.  These include knowing how the equipment or tool works, acquiring the skills to correctly handle it, and using caution during its operation.  There is no room for ignorance, inattention, aggression, or intoxication.

Essentially all gun accidents can be avoided.  The concept that "accidents will happen" has no place in the mind of the responsible gun owner.

Although true gun accidents involving the death of children are extremely rare, little comes to mind that would devastate a parent more.  Therefore, plan to "gun proof" your children and their friends by proper training and guidance.  Instill in them the following admonitions:  if they find any gun, don't touch or handle it, do leave the area, and do inform an adult.  It is wise to properly secure firearms in  gun safes or mini safes to virtually eliminate the potential for accidents.

When shooting or handling a firearm yourself, three fundamental rules apply.

1. The primary, or golden rule, mandates that the gun always be pointed in a safe direction.  Never point the gun at yourself or others.  Although common sense will determine which direction is safest, upward or downward is usually best.

2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are actually ready to shoot the firearm.  Avoid the finger's natural tendency to rest on the trigger.  Rather, place your trigger finger on the side of the trigger guard.

3. Always assume that any gun you pick up is loaded.  Immediately open the gun's action and visually verify that there is no chambered round.

Adherence to ten corollaries to the three fundamental rules will greatly minimize the chance for accident.

1. Be sure of your target, and know what's behind it.  

2. Don't shoot at a hard surface or at water due to the potential for ricochet.

3. Make sure the firearm is safe to operate.

4. Be sure the barrel is free of obstructions before using.

5. Ensure that you know how the firearm functions and how to safely operate it.

6. Be positive that the ammunition is compatible with the gun.

7. Wear eye and ear protection.

8. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicants if you intend to go hunting or shooting.

9. Never climb a tree or fence with a loaded firearm.

10. Safely store or otherwise secure your guns.

Knife Safety

A dull knife is the most common cause of accidental cuts.  When a dull knife meets resistance, one's hand tends to be carried forward onto the blade, or the knife inadvertently jerks in an uncontrollable fashion due to excessive force exerted from a tensed-up hand and arm.  Good safety habits should focus on the following rules:

1. Don't cut toward any body parts, including yours or those of people around you.  Keep the path of the knife clear.

2. Properly maintain your knife.  Keep it sharp.

3. Respect the purpose the knife was designed for and don't press it to perform beyond its limits.

Most knife accidents occur in the kitchen.  Adherence to the rules of knife safety would eliminate these accidents.