Gun safety options for different budgets

HOUSTON, Texas – In the hands of a trained professional, guns can be a tool used for protection. But in the hands of a child, they are a disaster waiting to happen. But, simple devices  could save your child's life.

The first is the simple

st, cheapest device you can find, a standard cable gun lock. It's basically a steel cable covered in plastic that you snake through the barrel of the gun or through the clip holder or magazine. Once in place, you lock it up and the gun will not fire. It works with any type handgun and costs about $15.

Want something even easier? Try a biometric, locking gun box. Liberty Safes is one manufacturer that makes a box called The HDX 150 Smart Vault that doesn't even require a key. You simply swipe your finger across a small pad and the box reads your fingerprint and opens. It's programmed to read only your fingerprint and retails for about $200.

Heath Moore of Moore Security in Houston, Texas says the box is very strong, small and easy to carry and it also gives you quick access to your firearm.

"You just swipe your finger twice, once to turn it on, once immediately afterward to open, grab your gun and you're ready in about five seconds," Heath said.

Locks are vital, but also important according to Miguel Yanez, a firearms instructor, is to sit your children down and have a serious talk with them about the dangers of guns. Yanez is a former Navy Seal and both he and his police officer wife carry a sidearm to work every day. They have an 8-year-old son, also named Miguel.

"Don't think hiding your weapon is going to keep your kids safe because it won't work, they will absolutely find it, you can count on it," Yanez said.

Instead, he advises parents to take the mystery and curiosity out of the whole gun experience.

"Sit them down and with the gun unloaded, let your kids touch it, hold it, feel it in their hands. But make it clear they can never touch that weapon again at any time without you being there with them. Make them understand that weapon can kill and can never be played with like a toy," Yanez said. "We don't need any more tragedy involving our children."

Luckily, the Centers for Disease Control has been tracking a downward trend in accidental shooting deaths involving children. In 2010, 98 kids under the age of 18 died in accidental shootings.  That's down from 150 in 2000, and a big drop from 1990, when The CDC reported 417 accidental shooting deaths involving kids.

  • For more information on firearms safety, including gun locks, storage and courses available click here.
  • For information on hunter safety and education from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission click here.

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