KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The accidental shooting death of Knox County Law Director Bill Lockett's oldest son, William "Trent" Lockett III, is a horrifying reality that hits home for many parents.

It's also a chance to educate your children about gun safety, whether or not you have a gun in the house.

Gil Tapia from Gunny's in Maryville has some advice for every parent.

"Guns are deliciously inviting to a small child," he says. "If you have a child you have the greatest sleuth, bar none, Sherlock Holmes any of the great ones, cause they will find anything you don't want them to find."

So how can you protect your child from being accidentally wounded or killed?

Some newer guns have built-in locking frames. You can also buy gun locks at any gun store. Those work well, but may be a hindrance when you need the gun most.

"You have to find the key, you have to be able to calmly put it into the lock or frame of the gun to unlock the system," Tapia says.

That's easy to do now, but when you need it, Tapia says, "You hear the glass falling down in the kitchen window, you know falling down, breaking. Immediately your system goes into hyperdrive, you're adrenaline is peaking."

It's not so easy to unlock the gun to protect your family. Tapia says safes with a digital combination are even better, because they allow quicker access to a gun when needed for defense.

"A better one yet is a smaller box that has an indentation for fingerprint recognition," he says. "You merely stick your digits in the provided slots and the door pops open."

Whatever technology you choose, Tapia says, sit down, talk to your children, educate them about gun safety.

He says to remember the golden rule:

"If you discover a gun, leave the room, and tell adults."

That may be easier said than done when it comes to a curious child. Tapia says the more your children know about guns, the more apt they are to follow that rules.

Whatever you do, Tapia says, never, ever, even for a second leave a loaded gun unattended.