Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) test · California DOJ
Children and firearms
Questions and answers
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Who is responsible for making sure a child cannot gain access to a firearm?
The firearm owner
The owner must take all possible steps to keep firearms away from children. California law requires it.
Chapter 2 · Firearm Owner Responsibility ↗ -
You keep a firearm at home and a 15-year-old obtains it and injures someone. What may you be guilty of?
A misdemeanor or a felony
An owner may face a misdemeanor or felony when a child under 18 obtains the firearm and uses it, causing injury or death, or carries it to a public place.
Chapter 2 · Summary of Safe Storage Laws Regarding Children ↗ -
Is a toddler too weak to pull the trigger of a firearm?
No, a child’s thumb is twice as strong as the other fingers
Never assume a toddler cannot fire a gun. A child can push the trigger with a thumb.
Chapter 2 · You Cannot Be Too Careful with Children and Firearms ↗ -
No children live in your home. Do child safety precautions still apply?
Yes, because a child may come to visit
A grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor’s child may visit, so the precautions always apply.
Chapter 2 · You Cannot Be Too Careful with Children and Firearms ↗ -
How should firearms be kept in a home where children are likely to be present?
Unloaded and securely stored, with ammunition in a separate place
All firearms should be unloaded and securely stored, and ammunition kept in a different location.
Chapter 2 · You Cannot Be Too Careful with Children and Firearms ↗ -
A child starts asking questions about firearms. What does the guide suggest?
Answer as honestly and openly as possible
Honest answers take away the mystery and reduce a child’s natural curiosity.
Chapter 2 · Talking to Children about Firearms ↗ -
What should children be taught about real firearms and toy firearms?
They may look alike, but a real firearm can hurt or kill
Children need to understand the difference between real and make-believe.
Chapter 2 · Talking to Children about Firearms ↗ -
How do children learn most about safe conduct with firearms?
By observing the adults around them
Actions speak louder than words. Adults who practice safe conduct are also teaching it.
Chapter 2 · Instill a Mind Set of Safety and Responsibility ↗ -
How does the guide describe a “do as I say and not as I do” approach to firearm safety?
Irresponsible and dangerous
Actions that contradict good advice can completely undermine it.
Chapter 2 · Instill a Mind Set of Safety and Responsibility ↗ -
What is the first rule for a child who finds or sees a firearm?
Stop what they are doing
The first of the four rules for kids is to stop.
Chapter 2 · Rules For Kids ↗ -
A child finds a firearm. Should the child pick it up and take it to an adult?
No, a child should never touch it
The second rule is “Don’t touch”. A child should never touch a firearm they find or see.
Chapter 2 · Rules For Kids ↗ -
A child sees another child holding a firearm. What should the child do?
Leave the area right away and tell an adult
A child should never try to take a firearm from another child or try to stop someone from using it.
Chapter 2 · Rules For Kids ↗ -
What are the four rules for kids who see a firearm, in order?
Stop, don’t touch, leave the area, tell an adult
The last rule is to tell an adult, including when other kids are playing with or shooting a firearm.
Chapter 2 · Rules For Kids ↗ -
According to the guide, where were firearms used in unintentional injury deaths most often accessed?
Nightstands and other sleeping areas
These firearms were often stored loaded and unlocked, and most were taken from nightstands and other sleeping areas.
Introduction · Reasons for and Risks of Owning a Firearm ↗