What about guns in the homes of family members and friends? Just having a gun safe is not enough

If your child is going to someone’s house, it is important to know if there are guns in the house. It may feel awkward to ask, but most people will understand that you are trying to protect your child.

You might try:

“My child is pretty curious. Is there a gun or something else dangerous that he might come in contact with?”

“Our doctor suggested I check to make sure there are no guns where my child plays. Do you have a gun in your house?”

It’s safest to keep your child out of homes where there are guns. If you do let your child play in a home with a gun, make sure: the gun is not loaded and locked up; the bullets are locked up and stored separately; the keys to all locks are hidden.

What should kids know about guns?

Be sure to talk to your kids about guns, even if you don’t have them in your home. Children need to know that guns are very dangerous and not to touch them or let others touch them, even if it looks like a toy; tell an adult immediately if they leave a place where there is a gun.