Kids and Gun Safety

There are several different approaches to kids and gun safety. One approach that WILL NOT work is to ignore gun safety education for children. Even if your household has guns, your kids will be visiting friends' houses where there are guns.

A simple and proven effective gun safety program for even the youngest kids is the NRA Eddie Eagle program. This acclaimed "GunSafe" program is available to elementary schools and other groups. It uses the kid-friendly Eddie Eagle character to get across a simple and memorable message to kids on what to do if they find a gun:

• STOP!
• DON'T TOUCH.
• LEAVE THE AREA.
• TELL AN ADULT.

This is a basic level of firearms safety training that every child should have beginning in the pre-school years.

Gun Locks

A gun lock (also called a trigger lock) is a vinyl-covered steel cable that you thread through the chamber on a pistol, revolver, or rifle to prevent the firearm's action from closing. It resembles a smaller version of a bicycle cable lock in which both ends are secured by a padlock that can quickly be opened with a key.

Gun locks fit most - but not all - guns. They cost about $20 each; some programs, such as Project Home-Safe, donate them to cities which then give them away for free.

Most Americans who own a gun do so for home security. But even if you don't own a gun, there's a good chance your child knows someone whose parents do. So whether there's a gun in your home or not, it's very important to talk to your child as early as possible about gun safety.

But this can be tricky. There is no recommended age at which to bring up this topic to your child. The best time to discuss guns is once you notice your child either engaging in gun play, or talking about guns he's seen at a friend's house, on TV, or in the movies. Be firm with your child; try to help him understand the difference between a plastic toy gun and the real thing, which in 1999 was responsible for 700 accidental deaths and approximately 9,100 unintentional injuries in or near homes across the country.

If you decide to keep a gun in your house, keep it locked and unloaded in a place that children can't get to, such as a locked safe or cabinet. (Of course, you'll also have to make sure they don't have access to the key or combination.) Store the bullets in a separate place, also out of kids' reach. Warn your child never to touch a gun at a friend's house or in an unfamiliar setting.

Battle Ground Residents

Cable gun locks are available through the Battle Ground Police Department and through the Clark County Sheriffs Office Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with the exception of holidays. Citizens are advised NOT to bring their guns to the police department for installation of the cable gun lock. Installation instructions are included in each kit. To receive a gun lock kit and further information, contact one of the locations below.

Battle Ground Police Department
505 SW 1st Street
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Non-Emergency (360) 342-5100

Clark County Sheriffs Office
707 West 13th Street,
Vancouver, WA 98660
Non-Emergency (360) 397-2366