CUERO - The tragic accident in Karnes County on Friday that took the life of a 2-year-old is a solemn reminder of rules that should be followed when handling firearms.

Law enforcement investigators said the toddler's father was "disassembling" a handgun he was not familiar with when it fired and struck the child.

Cuero Police Chief Glenn Mutchler said his first rule in firearm safety is, "always handle it like it's loaded. Then double check to make sure it's not loaded. Then check it again. It's also a good idea if there is no one else in the area if you are going to clean a weapon."

Mutchler said a person should also become familiar with the weapon, including reading any literature that came with it if purchased new.

National Rife Association guidelines are adamant about safety when cleaning a firearm.

According to the NRA, "Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun's action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area."

The NRA also lists three basic rules for gun safety:

• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.

• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.

• Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber, leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.