Firearm Storage Patterns in US Homes with Children

Author: Schuster, M.A. / Franke, T.M. / Bastian, A.M / Sor, S. / Halfon, N.
Publication: American Journal of Public Health
Topics: Age Group Ownership Storage
Keywords: Children Firearms US homes risks storage patterns
Bibliographic information +

Using data from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey and Year 2000 objectives supplement, both administered by the National Center for Health Statistics, the authors sought to determine the prevalence and storage patterns of firearms in US homes with children. Respondents from 35% of the homes with children younger than 18 years (representing more than 22 million children in more than 11 million homes) reported having at least 1 firearm. Among homes with children and firearms, 43% had at least 1 unlocked firearm, over 9% kept firearms unlocked and loaded, and 4% kept them unlocked, unloaded, and stored with ammunition. The authors conclude that many children in the U.S. live in homes with firearms that are stored in an accessible manner and suggest that efforts to prevent children’s access to firearms are needed.