JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gun safety is once again making headlines in Jacksonville after another child was accidentally shot with an unsecured firearm.
The latest incident occurred Thursday at a home on Lem Turner Road, renewing concerns about how guns are stored in homes with children.
This is not an isolated event. Just two weeks ago, a similar accidental shooting injured a child in the Mayport area. And in April, tragedy struck when a 2-year-old boy on the Westside died after finding his father’s gun and accidentally shooting himself.
In that case, the boy’s father was arrested and charged with child neglect and culpable negligence.
These heartbreaking incidents underscore the importance of proper gun storage, especially in homes with young children.
News4JAX spoke with Z. Farhat, manager at Green Acres gun store, to learn about the best ways to keep firearms out of the hands of children.
“If you have minors in the home and you have firearms in the home, they have to be locked up,” Farhat said.
He provided us with several options for securing guns:
- Bedside Safes: These safes use a unique four-digit code and also have a key override in case the battery dies or the code is forgotten. It’s important to keep the override key hidden in a secure place.
- Biometric Safes: These safes require the owner’s fingerprint to open, ensuring that only authorized users can access the weapon.
- Portable Lockboxes: Thin lockboxes are a less expensive, low-tech option. They can be used at home, in your car, or even in checked luggage on commercial flights. Access is controlled by a unique combination.
- Trigger Locks: Not all guns have a heavy trigger pull, so using a trigger lock can prevent accidental discharges. Some trigger locks use a key, but combination locks are more popular because there’s no key to lose. Basic cable locks are also available, which run a cable through the weapon to lock it up.
- Large Safes: For those with multiple firearms, including rifles and shotguns, large safes offer ample space and enhanced security.
Failing to properly secure your firearm can have serious consequences. If a child gains access to a gun and accidentally shoots themselves or someone else, the gun owner can be held criminally liable, as seen in the recent Westside case.
Experts also recommend that gun owners—especially those new to firearms—have an honest conversation with their children about guns. Make it clear that a gun is not a toy and should never be handled without adult supervision.
By taking these precautions, gun owners can help prevent future tragedies and keep their families safe.