Adults should be aware that a child could discover a gun when a parent or another adult is not present. This could happen in the child's own home; the home of a neighbor, friend, or relative; or in a public place such as a school or park. If this should happen, a children should know the following rules and be taught to practice them.

1. Stop
   The first rule for a child to follow if he/she finds or sees a gun is to stop what he/she is doing.

2. Don't Touch!
   The second rule is for a child not to touch a gun he/she finds or sees. A child may think the best thing to do if he/she finds a gun is to pick it up and take it to an adult. A child needs to know he/she should NEVER touch a gun he/she may find or see.

3. Leave the Area (Get Away)
   The third rule is to immediately leave the area. This would include never taking a gun away from another child or trying to stop someone from using gun.

4. Tell an Adult
   The last rule is for a child to tell an adult about the gun he/she has seen. This includes times when other kids are playing with or shooting a gun. Please note that, while there is no better advice at this time for children or adolescents who encounter a gun by happenstance, the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians reports that such warnings alone may be insufficient accident prevention measures with children and adolescents.

*from the California Office of the District Attorney's Firearm Safety webpage