(KLFY)-- According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, nearly 500 people die from accidental shootings in America each year. Using a firearm with no proper training can result in you, or someone you know, being seriously hurt.

After an unintentional discharge of a firearm led to someone's death, News 10 spoke with New Iberia police about crucial gun safety tips.

"A person should not be handling a firearm unless they have some type of training when handling a firearm," Leland Laseter with the New Iberia Police Department said.

Laseter said if you have firearm, make sure it is in safe place where it can't get into the wrong hands.

"A firearm should always be kept in a secure location, away from children, especially away from children so they can't get access to them."

He said it can be dangerous to handle a firearm, especially if it is loaded. Laseter said people who use firearms should make sure there are no bullets in the gun before picking it up.

"When handling a firearm, say getting ready to clean the firearm or move it from one place to another, you should always make sure its unloaded and have one person come back behind you and double check to make sure the firearm is loaded."

As Memorial Day approaches, Laseter said it is important for others to be aware of their surroundings if they decide to fire gunshots into the air.

"People also like during these times to shoot their guns up in the air to celebrate. When a bullet goes up in the air, it has to come back down. It could cause serious injuries to a person if it were to hit them."

Laseter said he wishes everyone a Happy Memorial Day, but emphasizes that safety is more important, especially when guns are present.

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