BOISE -- The accidental shooting death of a 5-year-old girl in eastern Idaho is a tragic reminder of the importance of firearm safety.
"If a firearm is not on your body, it's in a safe," said David Streb, owner of Level 1 Firearms. Streb also teaches firearm safety classes.
Most handguns come with some type of locking mechanism. However, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence says nearly 1.7 million kids live in a home with an unlocked, loaded gun.
"Putting it on top of a refrigerator, you think that's safe, but all you need is a stool or a chair and a youngster can be up there in a minute or less," said Cliff Poser, owner of Cliff's Guns Safes & Reloading.
Poser says every firearm should be properly secured when not in use. He recommends safes for securely storing multiple guns. Cable locks are easy and inexpensive. There are new lock boxes on the market that require a code, key or wristband to open.
"You may think that you can trust your children, but if your children are bringing in neighbor kids, you have no idea what those neighbor kids have had as far as instruction and how to handle a firearm," said Poser.
Streb says only parents know best as to what age to start training their children on firearms. However, he believes talking about guns should start early. He says to teach kids under 8 or 10 to tell an adult if they see a gun.
"If they're older than that, you want to introduce them to it, you want them to be comfortable with it," said Streb. "You want them to actually know how to use it and understand all the basic rules and of course that includes training and teaching to be safe at all times with the firearm."
An online search will help you find where firearm training classes are offered in your area.
Idaho Fish and Game also offers hunter education programs.
