“Air rifle shot kills 14-year-old girl”.
The headline screamed at me from the front page of the Mobile Press Register. A parents’ biggest fear becomes reality. A child cut down too soon. Unfortunately accidental deaths for kids under the age of 18 is on the rise. So parents need to be aware of steps they can take to try and make sure their kids are safe. In this case, all that is known is that a boy, who was an acquaintance of the deceased girl, fired the fatal shot in a home that was under construction. The boy at this time has not been arrested.
Police say that air rifles are similar to BB guns and are very powerful and deadly. There’s very little regulations concerning the sale of these guns, which are sold to be used by children. Many parents are also ignorant concerning the dangers of these weapons. The best thing to do is to not purchase these guns for your kids and educate yourself and your kids about their safety. Treat them just like regular guns. Tell your kids that if a friend has one— stay away from it.
I realize some parents are going to allow their kids to use BB guns or these air rifles anyway. If you are reading this blog and are one of those parents, at least make sure you follow these life-saving safety tips. Hopefully by educating yourself and your kids, a life can be saved.
(1) All BB guns should be treated as if they are loaded.
(2) Even if a gun is not loaded, never point it at anyone.
(3) If someone is standing near a target, do not shoot at it.
(4) Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
(5) Wear protective eyewear.
(6) BBs can ricochet off of flat or hard surfaces and strike you or someone standing nearby.
(7) No one under the age of 18 should be allowed to shoot any type of gun without adult supervision.
(8) Never carry a loaded gun when you climb over a fence, climb a tree or when jumping.
See also:
Toddler in the House? Get the Gun Out
Five Things to Consider Before Adding a Gun to Your Emergency Kit