The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

The death of 4-year-old Savannah Holmes, who Ankeny police said fatally shot herself, is a tragedy.

It's a tragedy that may have people thinking about the safe handling and storing of firearms in their homes.

KCCI spoke with a gun store owner who tells us one key is to handle every firearm like it is loaded.

"You have a tool that can absolutely end someone's life," said Dave Bloom, owner of JLM Shooters Supply.

Bloom said firearms are sold with gun locks.

Gun locks are something gun owners should use.

Bloom also stresses the use of lockboxes.

He said there are no skipping steps to keep your firearm safe in your home, adding that it falls on every gun owner to store their guns properly, and always handle them like they are loaded.

"All those parts of it are responsible gun ownership. It can't be overstated or over-emphasized in any way," Bloom said.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.