Teach Children Gun Safety to Avoid Accidental Shootings

After the tragic news that a after accidentally shooting himself with a gun he apparently found in a vehicle, the Prince William County Police Department posted some gun safety tips on their Facebook page. 

"The most effective way to keep children safe from unintentional firearm injury is to not have guns in a home where children live or play," the note read.

But if you possess guns, keep them unloaded and locked, lock the ammunition in a separate location, and hide any keys. 

"Children should be taught to tell an adult if they see a gun and to never touch a gun," the note continued. "There is no particular age to talk with your child about gun safety. A good time to introduce the subject is the first time he or she shows an interest in firearms, even toy pistols or rifles. Talking openly and honestly about gun safety with your child is usually more effective than just ordering him or her to 'Stay out of the gun closet,' and leaving it at that."

For more tips, as well as links to gun safety information, visit the Facebook page.