Gun safety topic of July 7 class

Each month, the Metropolitan Police Department hosts its 1st Tuesday public safety program for citizens. Substations and area commands will host the next hour-long sessions July 7. The topic will be firearm safety.

According to Common Sense About Kids and Guns, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., 40 percent of American households have guns, and 30 percent of them store those guns loaded and without locks.

The basic rules for handling guns follow common sense, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Treat all guns as if they were loaded. When handling a gun, always point it in the safest direction possible. Keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot. Only hand a gun to someone after ensuring it is not loaded and the cylinder or action is open.

When storing a gun, secure it from unauthorized use. Trigger locks or cable locks will keep the gun from being fired.

"You're talking about a $2 or $3 tool that will prevent a tragedy," Metropolitan Police Department Officer Jay Rivera said.

Additionally, keep ammunition in a separate area and in a locked container.

Never handle a gun when in an emotional state such as anger or depression. Some medications can affect one's mental clarity.

Do not discharge a firearm by shooting up in the air. The bullet has to land somewhere, and it will fall back to Earth with enough speed to cause injury or even death. Similarly, do not shoot at water or hard surfaces as that may cause the bullet to ricochet off in any direction.

Lastly, the Metropolitan Police Departments reminds citizens that drugs, alcohol and firearms don't mix.

Contact Summerlin View and South Summerlin View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.

ATTEND 1ST TUESDAY

The Metropolitan Police Department holds 1st Tuesday sessions from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at police substations around the valley, including:

* Northwest Area Command Center, 9850 W. Cheyenne Ave., 828-3426.