Firearms experts share gun safety tips following serious accidents

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — Recently, there have been two incidents in the Cape Fear involving firearms accidentally going off. 

Four months ago, a vacationer at Carolina Beach left his gun unattended in an unlocked bag. His 5-year-old son found it and died after a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

More recently on Monday, an illegally concealed gun accidentally went off in a Shallotte restaurant while a man was adjusting his belt—injuring a customer. 

Firearm experts say these serve as a good reminder for everyone to review basic gun safety practices. 

Lt. Cory McLamb with the Shallotte Police Department says one important step for people carrying a gun is to make sure the holster is made specifically for that gun. 

“There’s a ton of manufacturers for holsters. As long as you’re buying it for the make and model of your gun, it will be an approved holster,” McLamb said. 

Some other good practices for storing guns include unloading firearms before storing them and keeping them in a locked container that unauthorized individuals—like kids or teens—aren’t able to access. 

“And you know, you’re children don’t need to have access to the key or the combination,” said Matt Rhodes, who has been a concealed carry instructor for more than 15 years. 

Rhodes adds if you plan on travelling, you should bring a secure container to store your gun that children can’t get into. 

“What I tell people is that you really need some type of a locked container, and they sell those so if you’re traveling, you can lock that gun up.” 

Another important tip to remember—always keep a gun pointing away from you or others—even if you think the chamber is completely empty. 

You can find additional safety tips here.