Interviewers introduced the questions on firearm safety by stating, "The next questions are about safety and firearms. Firearms include pistols, shotguns, rifles, and other types of guns. Do not include guns that cannot fire, starter pistols, or BB guns." The survey form also directed interviewers to read if necessary: "Sometimes the use of firearms can lead to injury, which is a health problem."

After establishing that only one gun was kept in the home, interviewers asked, "Which statement best describes the WAY the firearm is kept?" The survey form directed interviewers to show a card (or read the categories if it was a telephone interview) to the respondent with four choices listed as follows:

• Taken apart

• With a trigger lock or other locking mechanism

• Assembled without a locking mechanism

• Other