Firearms Safety Safety is YOUR responsibility

Firearms safety starts with YOU!

- Do you have firearms in your house?
- Are they stored properly?
- Do you and your family know how to handle them safely?

The majority of firearms that are used on the streets in crimes are stolen from houses such as yours. Improper storage such as wooden display cases and shoe boxes, and guns being left in the open are easy targets for a burglar. The OCPD is working with our residents to provide information to prevent weapons from being stolen and used in crimes.

What are the laws?

Leaving a loaded firearm in the reach of a child is a crime in Wisconsin. Currently, there are no other laws mandating that you secure your firearms. However, if a firearm is stolen from your house and used in a crime, the price could be more than a lost firearm. IT COULD MEAN THE LOSS OF SOMEONES LIFE!!!

What is reckless behavior?

The law strictly prohibits ANY behavior that endangers the safety of another person by negligent handling of a firearm. Being in possession of a firearm while intoxicated or discharging a firearm while intoxicated is a misdemeanor — carrying a fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 9 months or both. In addition, causing injuries by use of a firearm while intoxicated is a felony in Wisconsin — carrying a fine over $10,000 and time in prison.

Think Straight - Leave the booze at home when you are shooting or hunting.

Additional Firearms Safety Guidelines

• NEVER use alcohol or drugs prior to shooting — even prescription drugs.
• NEVER leave your firearm unattended.
• NEVER put a loaded firearm in a case for storage or transportation.
• Use the mechanical safety—But DO NOT rely on it!
• Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Hearing and eye protection is not optional equipment.
• Properly maintain your firearms.
• Use your firearm only for its intended purpose.
• Use the correct ammunition for your firearms.
• Inspect your firearms before loading and after firing.
• USE YOUR GUN LOCKS !!!!

GUN STORAGE

Safes, Vaults, and Cabinets
Which one is the best?

Safes and vaults are rated by the manufacturer and insurance companies to protect against heat and theft. The ratings indicate how long it would take a fire to destroy the contents OR how long for a person to defeat the safe. Not all safes are created equal. The bottom line is: ALL SAFES CAN BE DEFEATED.

A FIRE SAFE is rated for keeping valuable papers and belongings safe from heat for a specific amount of time. They offer minimum protection against theft.

A BURGLARY or MONEY SAFE is designed to protect against a forcible entry either by tools, heat, or explosives. They offer minimal protection against heat.
A combination safe will protect against both fire and theft but they can be extremely expensive.

A GUN SAFE may or may not be rated by the manufacture against theft. They are designed to offer protection against theft, not heat. The best gun safes have heavy duty locking mechanisms and tumblers.

A GUN CABINET is typically a metal box with simple locking mechanisms that offer a minimal level of theft protection.

Before you make the investment in a gun safe, be sure to check the manufacturers ratings.

Test Your Firearms Knowledge Do you know the following parts on the firearms pictured here. MUZZLE TRIGGER TRIGGER GUARD SIGHTS (Front AND Rear) STOCK BARREL MAGAZINE EJECTION PORT CYLINDER GRIP If not, enroll in a firearms safety program today!

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