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A Parent's Guide to Safe Gun Storage
Children have easy access to firearms and this can lead to tragic consequences. Firearms recently became the number one cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Over 19,000 children and teens (0-19) are killed or injured by firearms each year. Additionally, the rate of firearm suicide among children and teens has increased 53% over the past decade.
1 in 3 U.S. homes with children under 18 have a firearm.
45% of those homes have an unlocked firearm.
3 in 4 children ages 5-14 know where firearms are kept in their home. 1 in 5 report handling a firearm in the home without their parents’ knowledge.
Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives
Locking devices can be purchased wherever guns and firearm accessories are sold. Safe storage options include a cable lock, trigger lock, lock box, gun safe, or simply take apart the firearm and store the ammunition separately.
Ask your local law enforcement department about how to receive free gun safety locks for the guns in your home. Learn more at www.projectchildsafe.org/safety/get-a-safety-kit/ .
Our thanks to ASK, CSN, and the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention for the information shared here.
