If you’re scared of your children getting hurt then you would need to put the gun in a high place. High like on the highest shelf of your closet. Also, make sure that the magazine is not in the gun just to take safer measures.
We have 3 rifles at home but none of my family members has ever used them. They are locked up nice and safe. In normal life, I think guns aren't necessary but considering the apocalypse I feel quite safe thinking about my rifles at home...
I am from Italy and in my country it's very hard to get a gun. You have to fulfill several requirements to even get one. I am not much of a fan but I would use one if I need to.