Every year, nearly 360 children in the U.S. unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else, according to Everytown Research. Experts say many of these incidents can be prevented by following safe storage guidelines.

At Upstate Guns and Ammo, safety is a priority from the moment a firearm is purchased.

“I believe that the people who are buying their firearms in the stores, going through the legal process, by and large, want to be safe, want to be responsible. And, of course, we’re going to do everything we can to help them,” said Craig Serafini, president of Upstate Guns and Ammo.

What You Need To Know

  • New York law requires firearms be locked if children under 16 are present
  • Every firearm sold at reputable stores comes with a basic lock; safes are strongly encrouagred 
  • Unintentional shootings hospitalize up to 90 New Yorkers annually according to the state Department of Health
  • Studies show locking guns and ammunication can prevent up to 85% of accidental shootings according to a study by Everytown Research
  • Failure to store firearms safely can result in criminal charges undert the SAFE Act and Child Access Prevention Law 

New York has some of the strictest gun storage laws in the country. The SAFE Act and Child Access Prevention Law require gun owners to lock up firearms so children under 16 cannot access them. Failing to comply can result in criminal charges.

“The most common types of locks that you will see is referred to as a chain lock, which is kind of a loop or a trigger lock, which literally goes right around the trigger and prevents the trigger from being articulated,” Serafini said.

Every firearm sold at his store includes at least a basic lock, but Serafini encourages buyers to go further.

“Buying a safe or some other device that they can use to secure the firearm beyond that lock,” he said.

Larger safes can secure long guns, handguns and other valuables, providing an extra layer of protection.

State health officials report that up to 90 people are hospitalized each year in New York due to unintentional firearm injuries. Research published in JAMA and cited by Everytown for Gun Safety shows that locking both guns and ammunition can prevent up to 85% of accidental shootings among children.

“At the end of the day, we all want the same thing, regardless of if we are interested in firearms or not. We want people to act in a safe manner,” Serafini said.

Gun safety experts say it’s not just about following the law. It’s about protecting families and communities. For more information on safe storage and New York’s gun laws, visit the New York State Department of Health or contact your local law enforcement agency.