My response to Emily Gets Her Gun

I saw today’s Washington Journal (Thursday, February 21, 2013)

http://www.c-span.org/Events/Washington-Journal-for-Thursday-February-21/10737438261/

and had some immediate glaring comments to make

I am not anti gun but am anti gun violence and mass murder

First thing---as you said---LOCK YOUR DOOR!!! Ok good ----also I recommend an alarm for your doors and windows----also security cameras are good as well---OK good

Next is DON’T FOLLOW CRIMINALS-----even if you are armed in a future event

Next thing is don’t assume they were drug users--but alright for now

ALSO VERY IMPORTANT-----THEY WALKED OUT OF YOUR HOME-----if you don’t keep your gun ON YOU at all times or locked when not in use it is more likely that it will be used AGAINST YOU if someone burglarizes your home

My house was broken into TWICE both times no one was home----once for a whole week and once for the whole day---if I had a gun at home and it wasn’t locked up where would it be now???

Guns stolen from homes--from Christian Science Monitor

Ok so you have a gun—great!!

Train yourself in using it
http://www.tacticalparadise.com/001/

---and keep it safe at home---

Also as a gun owner for protection I would love if you---and other gun owners who use it for protection---carry everywhere or just at home----

From http://projectchildsafe.org/sites/default/files/PCSBrochure_Adstar.pdf

Firearms Kept for Home Security

The decision to maintain a firearm in the home for self-protection is a serious, personal matter. Unlike passive safety devices, such as alarm systems, firearms used for home protection require significantly more involvement by the owner. Any added safety benefit that may be derived from a firearm depends in large measure on the owner's commitment to appropriate training and a clear understanding of safe handling and storage rules. Are your security concerns realistic and consistent with local crime rates? Do other adults in your household support the decision to maintain a gun in the house? If they will have access to the firearm, will they join you in a firearms training and safety program? What precautions will be practiced to safeguard children? Do risk factors such as drug and alcohol abuse exist within your household? In addition, issues such as individual temperament, reaction to emergency situations, and specific family circumstances should also enter in the decision.
If you must have quick access to a loaded firearm in your home, you need to take special safety measures. Keeping a gun to defend your family makes no sense if that same gun puts your family members or visitors to your home at risk. Many home firearms accidents occur when unauthorized individuals, often visitors, discover loaded firearms that were carelessly left out in the open.
If you choose to keep a firearm for home security, your objective should be to create a situation in which the firearm is readily available to you, yet inaccessible or inoperative to others. Special lockable cases that can be quickly opened only by authorized individuals are options to consider.
You must exercise full control and supervision over a loaded gun at all times. This means the gun must be unloaded and placed in secure storage whenever you leave the gun in your home or elsewhere. Secure ammunition separately.
Your most important responsibility is ensuring that unsupervised children cannot encounter loaded firearms. The precautions you take must be completely effective. Anything less invites tragedy and is a serious violation of your responsibility as a gun owner.