The safest house is one with no guns, public health experts agree. But if you must keep a weapon, here are some steps to reduce the chance that your child, or someone else's, will play with it -- or

The safest house is one with no guns, public health experts agree. But if you must keep a weapon, here are some steps to reduce the chance that your child, or someone else's, will play with it -- or worse.
Never keep a loaded gun around the house.
Use a trigger lock.
Lock the weapon in a gun safe. Store ammunition locked in a different location.
Keep the key to the gun safe with you at all times, including while you are at work.
If you use a combination lock, don't tell the combination to anyone other than your spouse.
Do not assume your children can't find a gun hidden in a closet or out-of-the-way drawer, or atop a high shelf.
Just because you've forbidden your child to touch a gun doesn't mean he or she will obey.
If your child is going to play at a friend's house, ask other parents about guns just as you would about animals, allergies or other topics of concern. For suggestions on how to broach this subject, go to www.paxusa.org.
Sources: Matthew Miller, Jon Vernick, American Academy of Pediatrics, Pax
Washington Post