Gun Safety at Home: Safe Storage, Handling & Responsibility Tips

Oklahoma is a state with deep roots in hunting, sport shooting, and gun ownership. Nearly 55% of Oklahoma households own at least one firearm — one of the highest rates in the country. For most families, guns are a normal part of life and, like any responsibility that comes with owning something powerful, safety matters.

The numbers make that clear. In 2024, the rate of gun-related deaths in Oklahoma was 49% higher than the overall U.S. rate. In an average year, 813 people die from gun violence in the state — someone every 11 hours. Perhaps most sobering is that firearms were the leading cause of death among young people ages 1-17 in Oklahoma in 2023.

Most gun owners are careful, responsible people, but there can still be room for improvement. The good news is that safe storage and a few simple habits can make a significant difference for your family and for your community.

OU Health pediatric emergency medicine physician Dr. Ryan Brown, M.D., clinical associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, said, “Oklahomans have grown up with guns and many of us have them. The key is to educate ourselves and our children to handle them. Gun safety is a priority.”

The Safe Storage Checklist

• Safe storage is the single most effective thing a gun owner can do to prevent accidents, especially in homes with children.
• Store all firearms unloaded when not in use.
• Use a gun safe, lock box, or trigger lock — even for short periods.
• Store ammunition separately from firearms.
• Make sure children cannot access storage areas, even if they know where they are.
• If you move a firearm for cleaning or use, return it to safe storage immediately afterward.
• If you have guests with children, secure firearms before they arrive.
• Periodically check that locks and safes are functioning properly.

In the Home with Children

Children are naturally curious. Even if you have talked to your children about gun safety, curiosity can override instruction.

“Kids don’t know the difference between a toy gun and a real one,” said Dr. Brown. “Kids as young as 2 know how to point a gun and pull the trigger.”

• Never assume a child won’t look for or find a firearm.
• Have age-appropriate conversations about what to do if they ever find a gun. The message is simple: stop, don't touch, leave the area, tell an adult.
• Know where your children are playing, including at friends’ homes.
• It is completely appropriate to ask other parents whether firearms are in their home and how they are stored before a playdate or sleepover.

Handling and Transport

• Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded.
• Never point a firearm at anything you are not prepared to shoot.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
• Know your target and what is beyond it.
• When transporting, firearms should be unloaded and secured, ideally in a locked case in the trunk.

Your Questions, Answered

Do I need a gun safe if I don’t have children at home?

Yes. Safe storage helps prevent unauthorized access by visitors, grandchildren, teenagers, and houseguests. It can also help reduce the risk of firearm theft.

What type of gun lock should I use?

Several options are available, including trigger locks, cable locks, lock boxes, and full gun safes. The best choice depends on your needs, but any secure locking device is generally safer than leaving a firearm unsecured.

OU Health’s Gun Lock Initiative is helping make Oklahoma homes safer by providing free gun locks and firearm safety education to families across the state. Made possible through the support of OU Health Board member Natalie Shirley, the program encourages responsible firearm storage to help prevent accidental injuries and keep firearms out of the hands of children and others who should not have access. As Oklahoma’s only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, Oklahoma Children’s understands the importance of prevention and is committed to giving families the tools they need to stay safe. Since launching, the initiative has reached more than 100 families with safety education and distributed 229 gun locks in communities across Oklahoma.

Oklahomans have access to several free firearm safety resources beyond the OU Health Gun Lock Initiative. Many local law enforcement agencies participate in Project ChildSafe and offer free gun locks to community members, and Veterans can receive a free cable-style gun lock from their local VA facility. These programs help make responsible firearm storage simple, accessible and affordable for families across the state.

How often should I review my firearm safety practices?

Experts recommend periodically checking locks, safes, and storage procedures to ensure they are working properly. It’s also a good idea to revisit household safety rules as children grow older.

How should I store firearms in a vehicle?

Vehicles are a common source of stolen firearms. If you must leave a firearm in a vehicle, store it unloaded in a locked container that is secured to the vehicle whenever possible.

How should I talk to my teenager about gun safety?

Conversations with teenagers should be more detailed and direct. In addition to discussing firearm safety, parents can talk about peer pressure, emotional decision-making, and the importance of never handling a firearm without permission and supervision.

Can grandparents help reinforce firearm safety?

If firearms are present in a grandparent’s home, the same storage and safety rules should apply. Consistent messages from trusted adults can help children understand that firearm safety is important wherever they are.

A Note on Mental Health

This is often overlooked, but it matters. Approximately 70% of gun deaths in Oklahoma are suicides. If someone in your household is going through a difficult time — depression, a major loss, a crisis — consider temporarily storing firearms outside the home with a trusted person or at a licensed storage facility.

Safety First, Always

Oklahoma Children’s OU Health provides comprehensive pediatric trauma care for children across Oklahoma and is home to the state’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. In partnership with the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, teams deliver advanced care for children with serious injuries. To learn more about pediatric trauma services, visit OUHealth.com or call (405) 271-KIDS (5437).