Safety nuts say keep it locked away from kids, which is hard to get to in a situation like this. I grew up with a loaded 12 gauge in the corner. No known problems but you had to secure twelve from town
That's the law here in California, a stupid law. Since I have grandchildren around, I have to keep them locked up. I have gun safes that I can quickly open, but it does lose precious seconds if a situation like this happens. Either you break the law, or risk your life.