Michigan’s new gun storage laws went into effect on February 13th and someone in the state has already been charged with first-degree child abuse, among other charges, for having a gun within reach of a child who shot herself with the gun.

Lock it up.

It’s pretty simple: if you have a gun, it needs to be stored in a locked box or container or it has to be completely unloaded and locked so as to be inoperable.

If those conditions are not met, and a child is injured, jail and fines await the gun owner.

The law does not apply in situations like target practice or firearm instruction where a minor would have permission to use a firearm. To read a full explanation of the new law, click here.

If you need a gun lock, free locks are available at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.