Firearm sales spiked this year.

With more guns on the streets and in our homes, it’s important to know safe firearm practices.

Treat all guns as if they’re loaded, even if you think they’re not.

Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to point and shoot your firearm.

Always keep your guns in a safe and secure location, away from children and inexperienced people.

Use child safety locks and keep your ammunition stored separately from your firearm. Teach your children what to do when they see a gun.

Always keep firearm muzzles pointed in safe directions—never toward yourself or another person. Point it only at what you intend to shoot.

Be aware of what is behind and around your target. Never fire at an un seen target.

Wear appropriate eye and ear protection when discharging firearms.

Know how to properly use your gun. Take a class. Practice shooting.

Familiarize yourself with all federal, state and local laws surrounding the purchase and possession of firearms.

Interested in legally carrying? Get your Concealed Weapon Permit from SLED. Know the laws surrounding CWPs.

When cleaning your gun, always remove the magazine and other sources of ammo. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger. Always visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is unloaded. Repeat this step twice.

Remember that your vehicle is not a mobile gun safe.

Focus on your responsibility as a gun owner. Ensure you and your family practice gun safety at all times.