By Erin Smith
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce learned about firearm safety from Maryellen Robeson during the noon luncheon meeting on Tuesday.
Maryellen Robeson is an National Rifle Association Certified Pistol Instructor and the owner and lead instructor of Shooter Ready LLC. She offers both public and private classes.
“I think its very important for us to know about our firearms,” said Robeson.
She noted that if you have firearms in your home, it is important that you properly store them. Robeson said it is important that they not be accessible to young children.
“It is important for you to know how to handle firearms and keep them safe in your home,” said Robeson.
She explained she and her husband, Mick, have visitors in and out of their home. Robeson said along with the right of owning a firearm comes the responsibility to properly store and properly maintain their firearm.
“When we practice responsible gun ownership, firearms are safe,” said Robeson.
She said, if you have a gun in your home, is it accessible to anyone in the home? Robeson warned you must be careful about where you have your gun stored and it should be properly secured at all times. For example, Robeson said a pistol which is kept in the bedroom should be three steps away from the bed. The reason is to allow yourself a few seconds to “gather your thoughts” if you need to retrieve it.
Robeson reminded those in attendance to remember to check that your gun is unloaded before you start to clean it. Robeson said the manual that comes with your firearm will have instructions on how to properly disassemble your weapon to clean it. Robeson said if you don’t have the manual, you can contact the company that made the firearm and they will send you a copy of the manual for your gun.
Other tips Robeson offered.
*Make sure you use the correct ammunition for your firearm.
*Have everyone in your family who shoots take a firearm safety course.
*Become familiar with the firearm laws in states to which you travel. The federal, state and local laws can differ.
*Ensure that young children know what to do if they find a firearm. Robeson said they should be instructed not to pick it up and to tell an adult.
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