Mostly all firearm accidents in the homes of America can be prevented when gun owners take simple steps to prepare, and proper storage is the number one way to help prevent accidents. Anyone who is going to own a gun should learn to put it away in a secure area when not in use to help prevent firearm accidents and misuse. Always keep the firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction meaning that the gun is pointed so that even if an accidental discharge occurred it would not result in injury.Always keep your finger off the trigger until you actually intend to shoot. When handling a gun, rest your finger outside the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Don’t touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire.Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use. Whenever you pick up a gun, such as when removing it from or returning it to storage, remember to point it in a safe direction and make sure it is unloaded.Be sure you know how your firearm operates: read the manual on your weapon, know how to safely open and close the action of the firearm and know how to safely remove any ammunition from the firearm and its magazine. lock your firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case when not in use, making sure they are inaccessible by children and cannot be handled by anyone without your permission. ammunition should be stored in a locked area separate from firearms.Use a gun locking device that renders the firearm inoperable when not in use. A gun lock should be used as an additional safety precaution and not as a substitute for secure storage.Make sure everyone in your household is aware of and understands how to safely use a firearm. Always unload, clean and place your firearms in their proper storage area right after returning from a hunting trip or a day at the range. Teach everyone in your family about firearms safety.