Constable
Marc Trioreau, RCMP Community Policing Officer for the Trinity Conception
District�
1. Firearms and you, just how safe are you?
If there is a firearm in your home, or if
a member of your household is thinking of getting one, consider this:
every single day, four deaths by firearms occur in Canada by suicides,
homicides or accidents. Be aware that such tragedies are avoidable.
Gloomy Thoughts and gunpowder,
the mere presence of a firearm in a home increases the risk of suicide
by five, compared to a household without firearms. The risk is
especially high for men.
A Quarrel that turn tragic
The mere presence of a firearm in a home
increases the risk of homicide by three, compared to household without
firearms. The victims are mostly women. Quarrels and firearms make a
explosive mixture.
Avoidable accidents,
except for hunting accidents, all
incidents involving firearms have one thing in common: ready access to
an operable firearm and its ammunition. A firearm at home always
creates a risk. The risk increases in the presence of depressed or
violent persons or children. Don�t take any chances!
Safe Storage,
It�s common sense and it�s the law!
If there is a firearm in your home (shotgun or rifle), make sure that
it is:
Inaccessible or inoperable:
A firearm is inaccessible if it is stored
in a container, receptacle or room, locked securely, so that it cannot
easily be broken open or into. A firearm is inoperable if it is
individually secured with a dependable locking devise (generally
available for about $10), or by the removal of a component essential
to its operation (bolt or bolt carrier). This part must be kept
separate from the firearm in a secure place.
Unloaded,
Remove the ammunition from the firearm
and store it separately in a safe container. Ammunition and firearm
can be kept in the same place (container or compartment, but not a
room) if this place is locked and cannot easily be broken open or
into.
Keep the keys elsewhere, that�s smart!
For greater protection, do not keep the keys giving access to your
firearm in your home. Instead, secure them in your safe deposit box,
or at work, or entrust them to a reliable friend.
Be Aware of the Risk!
Even when safely stored, firearms present
a risk. If you do not use firearms, it is safer not to keep any in
your home. Contact your local detachment for advice on disposing of
unwanted firearms.
Never Leave Safety to Chance!
If one of your loved ones, or yourself
show signs of depression or are prone to suicide or violence, common
sense and wisdom dictate that firearms should not be kept in your
home. Dispose of firearms by contacting your local RCMP detachment or
ask a dependable friend (and firearm license holder) to store them
safely outside your home.
Keep in the safe side!
To learn more about firearm owners�
responsibility and the rights of family members and friends to protect
themselves, contact the closest RCMP detachment.
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