Firearms safety is a very important issue in today's society, especially in light of the recent violence in schools relating to gun violence. Educating both adults and kids should be an important part of the discussions we have.  Many adults do not know the proper way to handle guns, or store them. It is for this reason that we at the Somerville Police Department have designed this page to give an interested person some basic gun guidelines.

• If you choose to have a weapon in the home, we strongly recommend you have a gun safe or gun locker. A locked drawer, closet, or room is NOT sufficient. You know that kids can get into anything given time. 

• Keeping a weapon under your bed or in a drawer for "easy access", is a dangerous idea, and should not be done.

• The weapon and magazine (clip), should be unloaded, and the ammunition should be kept in a SEPARATE locked safe or gun locker.

• When handling your weapon, always treat it as if it were loaded.  Many adults and kids have been killed by the "unloaded" gun that went off unexpectedly.

• The key or combination for the gun locker or safe should be accessible only to the owner, never should it be kept anywhere where a child or another adult could access them.

• Take a firearms safety course in the proper handling and maintenance of your weapon.  Education will enable you to make better decisions about your weapon in the home.

• If possible, pay to store your gun at the shooting range while not being used.

    If you have a question, please call or e-mail us for advice or help. 725-0331 or info@Somervillepd.org .