A Tuscaloosa County child, who accidentally shot himself in the head, has died at children's hospital. The incident brings back the importance of gun safety.
Time and time again, we hear the devastating news about a child getting shot after stumbling on a loaded gun.
"If you're an adult you are responsible for the weapons that you have in your home or your car or your business," says Captain Jim Coker with Hoover Police.
Authorities say it's vital that gun owners keep their firearms in a safe place away from children. Local retailers say nearly 75 percent of their recent sales come from first-time gun buyers. Some believe while gunlocks and lock boxes are a safeguard against accidents, they're a hindrance to protection.
"If you don't have it on you 24 and 7, you won't have it when you need it," says Nelson McCulloch of Birmingham.
Police warn, carrying a gun inappropriately can also be a hazard for the gun carrier as well.
"If you're carrying a firearm in your purse or a pocket or something like that there's always a danger of the trigger snagging. So, you want to carry it some kind of safe secure carrying device," Coker adds.
It is also advised to routinely educate your children on the danger of playing with guns.
