USE AND STORAGE OF A FIREARM IN A HOME ENVIRONMENT:

Firearm ownership carries with it a responsibility of safeguarding the welfare of others and you when handling firearms.  Accident prevention is the user’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of a firearm owner to know what the law is pertaining to ownership, possession, transportation and use of firearms.

• It is advisable to have a serious discussion with family members concerning a firearm and stressing the danger of careless or unsafe use.

• A basic rule in firearm safety is to never assume that the firearm is unloaded. You should treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

• A firearm should always be unloaded when not in use and the ammunition stored separately from the firearm. It is generally recommended that the cylinder assembly of a revolver and the barrel assembly of a semiautomatic be removed from the frame for long term storage. Both the ammunition and the firearm should be stored in a safe place out of the reach of children. 

• You may be criminally and civilly liable for any harm caused by a person less than 18 years of age who lawfully gains unsupervised access to your firearm if unlawfully stored. As such, a trigger lock, gun case or other device designed to prevent unauthorized access to a firearm is strongly recommended.

• The improper storage of a firearm at home could result in the arming of a criminal breaking into the home or the injury or death of a child who discovers the firearm and plays with it. 

• Discharging a firearm at a range without proper ear and eye protection could result in permanent damage to those senses.

• For the safety of you and others, be sure the barrel is clear of any obstructions before shooting. Obstructions such as snow, dirt, excess grease or lubricating oil in the bore may cause increased pressures, which could damage the firearm and cause injury. 

• On a Semi-automatic firearm, you should keep the safety on and / or action open unless firing.

• Never put your finger on the trigger until ready to fire at a proper target. Always check behind and beyond your target, and also anything in the line of fire before pulling the trigger.  Bullets travel extreme distances, never shoot into an open field or wooded area without a backstop. 

• You should always keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction, even when dry firing, loading or unloading. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur if the barrel is pointed in a safe direction.

• Dropping a loaded firearm may cause an accidental discharge, even with the safety on. 

• Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks, the surface of water and other surfaces. Glancing bullets travel in unpredictable direction with considerable velocity capable of causing damage, injury or death.

• Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances should be avoided when using firearms. Possession and use of firearms while under the influence is unlawful and constitutes a reckless disregard for safety. 

• It is a felony crime to: (a) discharge a firearm in a facility or from a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or off road vehicle in a manner as to endanger the safety of another person; (b) discharge firearm at a facility that is a dwelling or an occupied structure.

• The safety should always be left on or in the safe position and your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Failure to do so may result in property damage, serious injury and / or death. 

• Discharge firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure. 

ADDITIONAL SAFETY POINTS:
Use only factory loaded ammunition in good condition and of the proper caliber. Any person firing a weapon should make themselves familiar with its safety features and safe operation before using it.