In the United States, 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one gun that is loaded and unlocked.1 Two-thirds of gun owners say they own more than one gun, including 29% who own more than five.2 In 2023 there were at least 411 unintentional shootings by children, resulting in 158 deaths and 269 injuries nationally.3
For those individuals who choose to own guns, safe storage is essential to ensure children do not have access to weapons that could be used to unintentionally cause serious injury or death. These tragedies can be prevented, and safe, proper gun storage is the only solution.
Did You Know?
Nearly 40% of all unintentional shooting deaths among children 11-14 years of age occur in the home of a friend.4
Every year, 15,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded and approximately 3 million are exposed to gun violence.5
Children as young as 2 years old may be strong enough to pull the trigger of a handgun.6 3 out of 4 children living in a house with a gun know where the gun is, even when their parents think they don’t know.
In Virginia, it is illegal for any person to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger a child. Additionally, all firearms in home-based child care settings shall be stored unloaded in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet, and all ammunition shall be stored in a separate locked container, compartment, or cabinet.
Child Care Aware of Virginia encourages all families and caregivers to make firearm safety a top priority. All firearms in your home should be locked and unloaded, with ammunition locked separately and stored out of children’s reach.
If you own a firearm, we encourage you to take action by participating in our Safe Firearm Storage Ambassador Training. This free training will provide you with essential techniques for securely storing firearms, helping to safeguard your loved ones from avoidable tragedies. Together, we can create a safer environment for our children!