Public Health’s LOCK-IT-UP program has spent some time talking to gun owners to learn what they think about firearm storage and safety. We know that more than half of gun owners in King County are already locking their firearms up when they aren’t in use, and we were curious about what helped them make that choice. We also wanted to know why some gun owners aren’t comfortable locking their firearms.
We are so grateful for the folks who weighed in online and in-person. Here are five things we think all gun owners should know about locking up firearms – you may be surprised by what you learn!
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- Adolescents with access to firearms are 2.6 times as likely to die by suicide as adolescents without access to firearms.
Even teenagers who have been raised to practice good firearm safety can feel momentarily desperate and act impulsively. Restricting adolescents’ access to a family’s firearms by using a password-protected lock box can save their lives. - A locked lock box can be opened in as few as 3 seconds.
Here’s a video that shows the speed and ease with which you can open several different styles of lock boxes. We can’t endorse any of the specific products included in the video, but we do endorse exploring different options and finding the one that fits your needs best.
- Lock boxes can go in cars, too.
Even if you have a concealed pistol license, you can’t legally take your firearm everywhere. King County’s sports stadiums, schools, government facilities, and even some bars and restaurants prohibit concealed carry. When you are visiting places that don’t allow firearms, keep your guns locked up at home or in your car. A gun hidden under your seat or in the glove box won’t stop a thief, but a secured lock box will.
- Lock boxes can be bolted to furniture or cars.
We heard concerns that lock boxes containing firearms can be easily stolen and broken into later – leaving owners without their guns or their storage device. Most lock boxes can be bolted or cabled to furniture and in cars, making theft much more difficult. - Free and low-cost lock boxes are available in King County.
As part of our LOCK-IT-UP program, we partner with firearm retailers to make it easier and less costly for King County residents to safety store their firearms. Learn more about which safe storage device is right for you and find our list of retailers that currently offer discounts here. Seattle Children’s Hospital and Harborview also host frequent lock box give-aways. Find out about these events here.
- Adolescents with access to firearms are 2.6 times as likely to die by suicide as adolescents without access to firearms.
Bottom line – locking up a firearm is simple. A locked firearm is secure from misuse, and it’s also ready when you need it. For more information, visit www.lockitup.org.
Originally posted on October 24, 2018.