OC Sheriff’s Office stressing Gun Safety

Gun safety has been a topic of discussion around the country over the past several years.  The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to gun safety not only for the citizens of Oconee County, but among the deputies and personnel who work at the office. Gun safety is being aware for the potential of what might happen and always being first and foremost in your mind is safety.  According to a recent article from the May 2013 issue of Parents Magazine and their website, parents.com, there are an estimated 270 million civilian owned firearms in the United States, which equals out to nearly one for every man, woman, and child in the country.  The same published article, “Guns Within Reach,” also reports that 140 minors are accidentally killed and more than 3,000 are injured by firearms, most often at home or while visiting a friend, relative, caregiver.  About a quarter of victims under the age of 14 unintentionally shoot themselves.  The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office advises parents to teach their children to respect firearms and to teach them how to properly use and respect what they can do.  The Sheriff’s Office also recommends gun locks for all home owners and some type of lock box in the home, especially in a home where small children are located.  Citizens are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement to check on the availability of gun locks.