An Ounce of Prevention:
The Case for Gun Safety By Mike Teague
Photo courtesy of https://projectchildsafe.org/ n the emergency services world, it is the preventable incidents that can sometimes weigh heaviest on first responders. While there is no comparison to the sadness and/ or remorse felt by the families and friends, preventable injury or death has an incredible impact on those who respond when we dial 911. Truth be known, one of the major reasons I write on preventing injuries and deaths is the impact of 37 years of incident response. I can’t count the number of times that I have had to witness the pain and heartache that afflict family members when a loved one has been accidently killed or injured. According to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, each year over 500 persons are killed by unintended firearm injuries. Half of those who die are accidently shot by someone else. Thousands more are injured by the unintended gun shot. Thirtyseven percent of non-fatal gun injuries are unintentional in nature. National Public Radio has been tracking unintentional shootings by children. Unintentional shootings involving a child happen daily in the U.S. And since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, accidental shootings by children are up 31 percent. One can only surmise this is due to the increase of children being left at home alone, coupled with adults in the home not properly securing their firearms. The goal of this article is to inspire readers to reflect on their own personal firearm safety habits. I’ll offer a basic guide—from firearm purchase, to firearm use, to how to improve your firearm safety.
Purchasing Firearms When deciding to purchase a firearm, it is important to reach out to one of our local firearm stores and other firearm experts to ask for help and guidance with your purchase. These trained professionals can make sure the firearm you are looking to purchase is the right fit for you. Joe Moody with Xtreme Gun and Pawn in Boone, NC, says that they sit down with every customer to help them find the right firearm to match their needs. Moody warns, “Don’t just buy a firearm because it’s pretty. You need to know the pros and cons of each firearm before you buy it.” Certified firearm instructor and local expert Sandra Hoyle agrees with Moody’s advice, and adds, “Instruction begins before you purchase the firearm—do your research.” Firearm Training Once you have purchased your firearm it is crucial for you to have proper training in the use and care of the firearm. This training is vital for your safety and the safety of those you will come in contact with, and for proper operation of the firearm. Most of the local gun stores can provide firearm-specific training as well as basic safety classes. Another great resource to turn to for firearm training and safety is a local gun club. Hoyle, a firearm instructor since 2004 who also offers additional training through the Watauga Gun Club, believes that everyone who owns a firearm should take a basic firearms class to improve their overall fire safety. She reminds everyone that the owner of the firearm has the responsibility to know how to safely operate their fire-
arm. “The best place to start is to read the owner’s manual,” says Hoyle. “There is a lot of good information in the manual, such as cleaning, loading and recommended ammo.” This is echoed by Moody; with 32 years of Law Enforcement experience in Watauga County, he has seen the tragedy that comes from an unintentional shooting. He stresses the importance of knowledge on operating a firearm, but also the need to have respect for all firearms. “Practice firearm safety every time you are around any firearm or you are apt to get hurt or killed,” says Moody. Basic firearm classes are offered at the Watauga Gun Club. Hoyle and husband Gary are actively involved in these classes, and encourage firearm owners to check out the Watauga Gun Club’s website for a list of upcoming classes. Additionally, Sandra Hoyle teaches classes specifically for the women in our community. These classes are tailored toward the understanding and needs of women firearm owners. Firearm Use and Storage Remember to properly secure your firearm when it is not is use. As we have seen in the statistics, children are watching and will play with firearms when given a chance. Consider the purchase of a lockable gun safe if multiple firearms are in the home. A simple gun lock will prevent the accidental use of an individual firearm in the wrong hands. Gun locks are inexpensive, and most new firearms will include a lock. But like a seatbelt, gun locks aren’t effective if they aren’t used. Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2021/22 —
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