It might help to have a list of what to do pinned to a wall or safe, so you don’t panic in the event of a home invasion. Keep your action list short and simple. Practice gun safety when you’re defending yourself from an intruder—don’t put the finger on the trigger until you spot the target and you’ve looked beyond the target in your sight. Remember to make gun safety part of your intruder plan.
Tell younger kids that if they find a gun, they should leave it and go tell an adult. Teach older kids to always assume that a gun is loaded and to never point a gun at anyone. Bring up the topic of gun safety often. By reminding kids, you’re stressing how important it is.
The laws vary wildly from state to state, which is why it’s so important to learn the specific laws in your area.
If you’ve got multiple handguns for self-defense, you’ll have more options for staging the weapons throughout your home.
These are all locations where you might want to stage a handgun.
Open storage or carrying is impractical most of the time. Plus, some states have storage laws that require guns to be locked when not in use. [8] X Research source
Guest or master bedroom: For the most secure storage, use a safe under the bed or conceal it in your headboard. For easier access, store it in your locked nightstand or a soft holster instead. Home office: Store the handgun in a desk drawer, so you can easily get it if you’re in the room or conceal it in a hollow book for secretive storage. Living room: Place the gun in a soft holster under your couch or armchair—don’t forget to use a trigger lock so the gun doesn’t accidentally discharge, or hide the gun in concealed furniture. Kitchen pantry: Place a small gun safe in the pantry since most thieves won’t think to look there. Closet near an exit door: Thieves also overlook closets and by storing the gun in a safe near the door, you can arm yourself and get out.
For example, put a small biometric safe on your kitchen counter next to your appliances or one on your bookshelf in a bedroom or living room.
If you’ve got other guns that you use infrequently, store them in the locked safe, gun cabinet, or vault, too.
You can buy bedside tables, headboards, or wall-mounted mirrors that have hidden compartments where you can lock your handgun.
Don’t store your firearms with your other valuables like jewelry or cameras unless you can lock them all in a safe.
Some people choose to store their handgun with a round in the chamber—this cuts loading time in a potential emergency, but it does mean that the gun is loaded—something to consider if it falls into the wrong hands.
Clean your gun in a well-ventilated space, so you don’t breathe in fumes from the cleaning solvents. Consider doing a monthly shooting test to ensure that your handgun is in good shape.
You can get free cable locks or trigger locks from most police departments. Go to https://projectchildsafe. org/safety/get-a-safety-kit/ to check.
Remember to point the muzzle away when you go to pick up the firearm.
Smart guns are a good option if you’ve got kids in the home or other adults that you don’t want to have access to your weapon.
