From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Law enforcement agencies across the state are warning about celebratory gunfire this Fourth of July.
Celebratory gunfire is illegal, dangerous and damaging to property. In the past, people and animals have been hurt or killed due to people shooting guns towards the sky during holidays such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.
The Birmingham Police Department will be using the Shot Spotter Gunshot Location System to find anyone who shoots a firearm. Additional officers will be on hand to respond to calls.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked Alabama number two on the list for the most firearm deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
Law enforcement asks everyone to stay safe by storing firearms in a safe place and away from ammunition so they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.
You can get a free gun lock from the Trussville Police Department, while supplies last. They will be available at the Freedom Celebration on the Fourth of July. If you are unable to get one there, you can stop by the police department and pick one up.
Here are some more firearm safety tips:
1. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
2. TREAT ALL FIREARMS AS IF THEY WERE LOADED.
3. KEEP YOUR TRIGGER FINGER OUTSIDE THE GUARD AND OFF OF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO FIRE.
4. BE CERTAIN OF YOUR TARGET, YOUR LINE OF FIRE, AND WHAT LIES BEYOND YOUR TARGET.
5. ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING AND MAINTAINING YOUR FIREARM.