Mono County Sheriff Urges “Safety First” With Firearms
In the last few weeks, Mono County has experienced an uptick in gun related crimes. According to the Mono County Sheriff’s Office, these crimes include “negligent discharge within community areas designated as no shooting zones and driving with loaded, unsecured firearms.”
In order to prevent accidents, local law enforcement urges community members to follow gun safety rules, especially the six basic gun safety rules, which are as follows:
1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
2. Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction
3. Keep your finger off the trigger unless you are ready to shoot
4. Know your target and your surroundings; if you are hunting or target shooting, make sure you are in a safe area to do so and know you won’t accidentally hit someone or something
5. Know how to properly operate your gun
6. Store your gun securely and safely; keep it unloaded, with the safety on, and out of reach of children or any other unauthorized users.
As well as the basics, it’s also important to remember never to handle a gun in a frazzled mental state, such as anger or depression, or when intoxicated; overall, in any situation where your judgement might be impaired. Never shoot a gun in celebration – as well as being illegal, the bullet’s got to come down, and it can cause damage or injury when it does.
Don’t shoot at water or other flat, hard surfaces; the bullet can skim or ricochet, and when out shooting, remember to bring ear and eye protection. Know how to educate your children on gun safety, and keep guns out of your children’s access. Also, keep up to date on your local “no shooting areas” and where it’s safe to hunt or target practice.
In addition, the Mono County Sheriff’s Department is providing free gun locks to the public.
For more information, call the Mono County Sheriff’s Department at (760) 932-7549, option 1, 2.
Especially during hunting season, remember to use your guns safely and keep our community safe!
For more information on firearm safety, click here.
