Every year, National Safety Month serves as a reminder that securely storing firearms when they are not in use is one of the most important responsibilities of gun ownership.

This year’s observance follows Gun Storage Check Week^®, a nationwide reminder for firearm owners to review their storage practices and ensure firearms are secured from unauthorized access. Whether you’re a new gun owner or have owned firearms for decades, taking a few moments to evaluate how firearms are stored can help protect your family, prevent theft and reinforce responsible firearm ownership.

Unsecured firearms can create unnecessary risks, including:

• A child gaining access to a firearm that was left unsecured.
• A firearm being stolen from a home or vehicle.
• An unauthorized individual accessing a firearm without permission.
• A person in crisis gaining access to a firearm during a critical moment.

What Is Secure Firearm Storage?

As a firearm owner, it is your responsibility to ensure firearms are stored where they are inaccessible to children and other unauthorized individuals. Simply placing a firearm in a closet, drawer or similar location is not considered secure storage.

Secure firearm storage means taking steps to help prevent unauthorized access through the use of locked storage options and additional safety measures.

Best practices include:

• Store unloaded firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case.
• Use firearm locking devices to render firearms inoperable when not in use.
• Store ammunition in a separate locked location.
• If firearms are disassembled, store components securely and separately.
• Regularly verify that stored firearms remain unloaded and secure.

Many firearm owners choose to use both a secure storage container and a cable-style gun lock for added security. Cable locks, such as those provided through Project ChildSafe^® Safety Kits, can provide an additional layer of protection when used properly.

The Importance of Secure Gun Storage

No one anticipates these or other scenarios happening to them, but an unsecured firearm increases the risk of misuse. Suicide by firearm or other lethal means is too often overlooked when discussing unauthorized access to firearms, but consider that suicide accounts for 32 percent of gun deaths for this age group, according to a recent Pew study. The decision to take one’s life is often in impulsive, and preventing access to a lethal means at that critical time can save a life.

Stolen firearms contribute to violent crime in the U.S. Gun thefts from cars, in particular, are a persistent source of stolen guns. This means that gun owners — if they fail to secure their firearms in their vehicles — could have their gun stolen and potentially used in a crime — and no one wants their gun used by a criminal.

That’s why it’s so important to educate your community, including responsible gun owners, to make sure they’re practicing secure firearm storge. There are many choices of safety devices available to gun owners — from free Project ChildSafe cable gun locks available at local law enforcement agencies to lockable gun cases, lock boxes and full-size safes.

Firearm Storage in Vehicles

Firearms stolen from vehicles continue to be a significant source of stolen guns.

If you must temporarily store a firearm in a vehicle, secure it in a locked storage device designed for firearm storage and keep it out of sight whenever possible. Never leave an unsecured firearm in a vehicle.

Planning ahead and reviewing storage options before traveling can help reduce the risk of theft.

Review Your Storage Practices

National Safety Month is a good time to ask:

• Are my firearms secured when not in use?
• Can children or unauthorized individuals access them?
• Are my locks and storage devices functioning properly?
• Is my ammunition stored separately and securely?
• Have I reviewed my storage practices recently?

Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference.

Additional Firearm Safety Resources

Project ChildSafe offers free educational materials and resources to help firearm owners make informed decisions about safe firearm handling and storage.

Helpful resources include:

• Ten Tips for Firearm Safety in Your Home
• Firearms Safety in Vehicles
• Gun Storage for Your Lifestyle
• Tips for First-Time Gun Owners

This National Safety Month, take a few minutes to review your storage practices and make sure your firearms are secure when not in use. Responsible firearm ownership starts with safe and secure storage.