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Child & Visitor Safety

Essential guidelines for firearm safety when children or unfamiliar visitors may be present. Protecting the most vulnerable.

By Firearm Accessory Research Team • Updated February 2026

When children enter your home—whether they live there or visit—firearm storage practices must be absolute. Children are naturally curious, and no amount of instruction can overcome that instinct.

The Reality

Children Are Curious

Research shows that even children who have been taught to avoid firearms will often handle them when unsupervised. You cannot rely on:

  • "They know better"
  • "They've never touched my things"
  • "I told them not to"
  • "They're scared of guns"

The only reliable protection is physical security that prevents access.

Children Will Explore

Children explore their environments. They find things. Common "hiding places" are well-known to curious kids:

  • Top shelves (they climb)
  • Under mattresses (they look)
  • In closets (they hide there)
  • Nightstand drawers (obvious)

If a firearm isn't locked, assume a child can find it.

Requirements When Children Are Present

Non-Negotiable Rules

  1. 1. All firearms locked at all times when not in your direct control
  2. 2. No access to keys or combinations for children, ever
  3. 3. Ammunition stored separately from firearms when possible
  4. 4. No exceptions for "just a minute" or "they're napping"

When Visitors Come

Before They Arrive

  • Verify all firearms are secured
  • Check that ammunition is properly stored
  • Ensure safe combination/keys are not accessible

During the Visit

  • Don't access firearms unless necessary
  • If you must access, ensure children cannot observe combinations
  • Re-secure immediately after any access

Talking to Other Parents

When your child visits other homes, it's appropriate to ask:

  • "Are there firearms in the home?"
  • "How are they stored?"

This isn't impolite—it's responsible parenting. Most gun owners respect the question.

Education Is Supplemental

Teaching children about firearm safety is valuable, but it is NOT a substitute for secure storage:

  • Education builds awareness and reduces curiosity
  • Programs like Eddie Eagle teach "Stop, Don't Touch, Run Away, Tell a Grown-up"
  • But education alone cannot prevent all incidents
  • Physical security remains essential

Resources

Free Safety Programs

Next Steps