There were two accidental shootings in Apopka earlier this year. You can read about them here and here.
According to John Meagher who is a retired Orange County Deputy of 37 years and manager at TDZ Discount Firearms “a fire arm is a tool, like a power drill, hammer or a chain saw, you must take precautions and know the safety features. The most important thing to know when handling a fire arm is if it is loaded or unloaded.” Most accidental shootings are truly negligence.
Gun owners should know and follow the main rules to gun safety. According to the Fundamental NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling Are:
ALWAYS Keep the Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction
ALWAYS Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot
ALWAYS Keep the Gun Unloaded Until Ready to Use
Guns should never be accessible to children and teens. According to Hollis Kendall, our local expert on gun safety and concealed weapons training “Always treat a gun as if its loaded and follow all gun safety rules because your life and someone else’s depends on it.”
As a gun owner you are responsible for the firearm at all times. According to Don Zugelder owner of TDZ Discount Firearms in Apopka, “As an owner of a firearm, you must undertake full-time responsibility for your firearm’s safety and security. You must protect yourself and all others against injury or death from misuse of the firearm 24 hours a day.”
Finally, never place your finger inside the trigger guard or on the trigger unless you intend to fire. Another safety tip is to never keep ammunition in the same location as the firearm. Gun owners should store their weapon and ammunition in a separate and secure place; yet readily accessible. Accidental shootings? Most happen due to owner error and negligence.
If you are a gun owner and have never had professional training in gun safety, the time to get trained is now. At the very least, talk to a gun safety expert. Call Hollis Kendall of Southern Safety Services at 407-814-1895 with any questions.