By
now, you probably know what guns are and what can happen if they fall
into the wrong hands. Even though guns are featured in many television
shows, video games, computer games, and movies, it's important to know
that real guns are dangerous. Guns are so dangerous that they can hurt
or even kill someone you know - including other kids. (more)
Project Safe
Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America
by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing
these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. (more)
Gun
Safety Firearm Laws
In 1999, Governor Bush and the Legislature
enacted Florida's 10-20-Life law. In addition, the Governor's office began
a continuing public-service announcement campaign to warn would-be criminals
of the severe penalties for using a gun in Florida: "Use a gun, and
you're done."
POSSESSION OR RECEIPT OF A FIREARM OR AMMUNITION BY A PROHIBITED
PERSON - Punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
KNOWINGLY SELL, GIVE, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF ANY FIREARM OR AMMUNITION
TO ANY PERSON WHO FALLS WITHIN ONE OF THE ABOVE CATEGORIES - Punishable
by up to 10 years imprisonment.
USE OR CARRY A FIREARM DURING OR IN RELATION TO, OR POSSESS A FIREARM
IN FURTHERANCE OF, A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME OR FEDERAL CRIME OF VIOLENCE
- Punishment ranges from a minimum of 5 years to life imprisonment,
without parole, or death if death results from the use of a firearm.
As a firearms owner, you must make absolutely
sure that guns in your home are stored so that they are not accessible
to children or other unauthorized persons. Hiding a gun in a closet, drawer
or similar location is not safe storage. Children are extremely curious
and might find a gun in your home that you thought was safely hidden or
inaccessible.
As with most all areas of home safety, your objective as a firearm
owner is to put in place a series of simple precautions (multiple safeguards)
that together help create a secure environment for firearms in the home.
Each of these precautions is designed to prove an additional barrier
against unauthorized use. (more)
I will never bring a gun to
school;
I will never use a gun to settle a dispute;
I will use my influence with my friends to keep them
from using guns to settle disputes.
My individual choices and actions, when multiplied by those of
young people throughout the country, will make a difference.
Together, by honoring this pledge,
we can reverse the violence and grow up in safety.
"With the right message, to the right people, by the right messengers;
we can spread a word-of-mouth epidemic against gun violence and make
every community safer."
Although the NRA has complete gun safety
rules available for specific types of firearm use (hunting and competition,
for example), the following three rules are fundamental in any situation.
Whether or not you own a gun, it is important to know these rules so that
you may insist that others follow them.
Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Whether you are
shooting or simply handling a gun, never point it at yourself or others.
Common sense will tell you which direction is the safest. Outdoors,
it is generally safe to point the gun toward the ground, or, if you
are at a shooting range, toward the target. Indoors, be mindful of
the fact that a bullet can penetrate ceilings, floors, walls, windows,
and doors.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When
holding a gun, rest your trigger finger outside the trigger guard
alongside the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch
the trigger.
Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. If you do not
know how to check to see if a gun is unloaded, leave it alone. Carefully
secure it, being certain to point it safely and to keep your finger
off the trigger, and seek competent assistance. (more)
Gun
Safety at Home
If you come across a gun at home, you may
be tempted to check it out - but DON'T! Eddie
Eagle, a program sponsored by the National Rifle Association (NRA),
teaches kids what to do when they come across a gun:
State
Attorney Wolfinger's message is simple:
