Gun Owners Must Take Ownership of More Than Just Guns

We have read about the tragic death of two-year-old Ian Heath Allen, the negligent discharge of a firearm by Luanne Denise Strouse resulting in injury to her left hand, and the negligent discharge of Mr. Florez that sent him to the hospital when he shot himself in the leg.

While we mourn the death of Allen, we are again reminded of the absolute need for gun owners to keep firearms away from children. This is not only the law, but is ground in common sense. This negligence resulted in a baby’s death.

Ms. Strouse and Mr. Florez’s negligence resulted in self-inflicted non-fatal injuries that could have been easily avoided. Her actions remind us that we don’t place a firearm in a condition where a family pet can knock it to the ground, that we don’t handle firearms when we are intoxicated, and we don’t touch the pistols trigger while we are picking up the gun. His actions remind us that we never practice any dry-fire techniques with real ammunition. If you must pull the trigger, use snap caps.

As responsible gun owners, we must keep firearms secured, away from children. This does not mean high up in a closet, it means secured. It means the firearm is locked up and away from a child’s reach. Children are adventurous and curious. They will sneak into their parents’ room and other places where they should not be, and they will route around. Their sense of adventure and curiosity must never result in the discovery of a firearm, loaded or unloaded.

Florida law provides for severe penalties when a gun can be found by a child, but often the State Attorney’s Office does not prosecute these crimes because it is believed that the parent is punished enough by the loss of their child. While I understand this thought process, handling a firearm when intoxicated is also subject to punishment, and a self-inflicted injury to the hand is not sufficient punishment.

We must remember to treat all firearms as if they are loaded. We must always point the firearm (muzzle) in a safe direction when handling the firearm, never aiming or pointing the firearm at anyone or any living thing. We must always keep that firearm in a safe condition and keep it lubricated so that it operates the way it is designed. Never touch the trigger until you are certain that you want to destroy whoever or whatever the gun is pointed at. Always read the firearms safety manual so you have a full understanding of how a firearm operates. And without question, get professional training.
As responsible gun owners we must take ownership of gun safety, for ourselves and those we love and protect. We must take ownership of the incredible responsibility we assume the moment we introduce a firearm into our home. We must take ownership of our training, which goes beyond a simple concealed carry class. We must take ownership of these duties and obligations with the same passion we take ownership of the right to keep and bear arms, and defend ourselves.