June 30, 2015 - The Houston Police Department wants to remind everyone that firearms safety is a responsibility we must all share, especially with regards to our children.

With children out of school and spending more time at home, there is more of an opportunity for something tragic to happen if someone owns a weapon and it is not properly secured.

Potential tragedies can be avoided by following these gun safety tips:

• Keep all firearms out of reach of children. They should be stored unloaded and under lock and key.
• Do not hide them under pillows or in bedside tables or nightstands.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of firearms and remind them these are NOT toys!
• Most importantly, childproof your gun with a trigger guard or some other safety device.
• One should always assume and treat a firearm as if it was loaded.
• Teach your children to Stop, Don't Touch, Run Away and Tell a Grown Up

Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr speaks on child gun safety, and proper use and installation of a child safety gun lock on the HPD YouTube channel athttps://youtu.be/e6wyXbnJgUY

Under the Texas Penal Code, making a firearm accesible to a child is a Class C misdemeanor. If a child discharges a firearm causing serious bodily injury or death to himself /herself or another person, it is a Class A misdemeanor.

For more information on gun safety, visitwww.texaschl.us/parent_info.htm orhttps://eddieeagle.nra.org/

HPD's "Help Us, Help You" campaign is aimed at sharing information and educating citizens on crime prevention and everyday tips related to public safety in our city.

VHS/JFC 6-30-15