Unintentional Firearm Injuries

1
Unintentional Firearm Injuries

• In 1994, there were 787 unintended firearm deaths
  among persons aged 10 to 29, accounting for 58
  of all unintentional firearm deaths in the nation
  that year.
• It is estimated that there are approximately
  three (3) nonfatal firearm injuries for every
  death associated with a firearm.

2
Unintended Firearm Injuries

• In 1990, firearm injuries cost over 20.4 billion
  in both direct costs for hospital and other
  medical care, and in indirect costs for long-term
  disability and premature death.
• At least 80 of the economic costs of treating
  firearm injuries are paid for by taxpayer
  dollars. (CDC, 1998).

3
Firearm Safety

• Almost 1/2 of all American homes have a firearm.
• Most accidental firearm deaths are the result of
• improper storage
• careless handling
• improper cleaning
• Many firearm deaths result from people handling
  guns they thought were unloaded

4
Where guns are kept

• Gun closet 53
• Bedroom 17
• Other closet 19
• In vehicle 1
• Other 10

5
Primary reasons to Own/Use Firearms

• Hunting 51
• Protection 32
• Have used gun for protection 11
• Target shooting 13
• Collecting 4

6
Before handling a firearm you should

• Know how the firearm operates. Not all firearms
  are the same. Know how to safely open and close
  the action of the firearm and know how to safely
  remove any ammunition from the gun or from the
  guns magazine. The manufacturers name and
  location are on every gun. Write them for free
  safety and operating instructions.

7
Firearm Safety Rules
8
Firearm Safety Rules

• Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction --
  never point a gun at anyone whether loaded or
  unloaded
• Never keep a loaded gun in the house or anywhere
  on the home premises
• Keep all guns out of the reach of children and
  preferably locked up
• All ammunition should be stored separately from
  the gun, also locked up
• Never allow a gun to be brought into the house
  without checking both the magazine and the
  chamber yourself to be sure it is not loaded.

9
Firearm Safety Rules (2)

• Be sure the barrel and action are clear of
  obstruction and that you have the proper
  ammunition for the firearm you are carrying.
• Be sure of your target before you pull the
  trigger.
• Never point a firearm at anything you do not want
  to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with any firearm.
• Never climb a fence, tree, or jump a ditch with a
  loaded firearm.
• Never shoot at a flat hard surface or water.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs before or during
  shooting.