NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is reminding gun owners and their families to check on their firearm storage practices during Gun Storage Check Week®, the national firearm safety awareness week that runs Monday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7. During this week and beyond, the message of "Make Sure It's Secure®" will be promoted to millions of gun owners to help prevent unwanted access to firearms.
"Firearm safety is paramount while participating in the shooting sports at the local range or hunting in the great outdoors — and it's equally important when a firearm is not in use. It's simple: Securing guns when they're not in use saves lives," said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. "There are a variety of ways to safely store your firearms. It's critical for keeping firearms out of the hands of those who shouldn't handle them — such as an unsupervised child, a thief or someone in a moment of crisis."
The goal of Gun Storage Check Week, which is observed during National Safety Month, is to help prevent firearm accidents, especially those involving children, suicides and thefts.
"The onus is on us, as responsible gun owners, to ensure firearms are safely secured when not in use," Bartozzi said. "Take a moment to assess how you're keeping your guns safe from unwanted access. Hiding a gun in a nightstand, under a car seat or on the top shelf of a closet will not prevent unauthorized access. If you need to make refinements, there are a variety of ways to safely store your firearm to accommodate any lifestyle."
As Bartozzi notes, there are secure storage solutions ready to meet the needs of all gun owners — whether they have young families, live alone or in a shared space. GunStorageCheck.org has resources available to help gun owners decide which locked storage device best meets their safety and accessibility needs.
Secure gun storage devices include:
- Cable locks: Available free of charge through NSSF's Project ChildSafe® program (which has partnered with over 15,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide).
- Lock boxes: a storage solution for guns kept for home security and in vehicles.
- Lockable gun cases: ideal for security and portability.
- Full-size gun safes and cabinets: for owners with multiple firearms to protect, including against fire and theft.
"These are just a few of the storage options available to firearm owners. For the greatest level of security, consider using a combination of safety mechanisms and educate family members about handling firearms properly," Bartozzi said.
Secure Storage Can Prevent Suicide
NSSF is dedicated to helping reduce firearm-related suicide by distributing educational resources through its Have a Brave Conversation program. Each year, more than half of all firearm injury deaths are suicides, and among veterans the rate tops 73 percent.
"Suicide is preventable," said Bartozzi. "Gun owners and families can save lives by having open conversations to destigmatize suicide and recognize factors that contribute to suicide risk. Secure storage of a firearm provides time and space for when a person is in a moment of crisis."
NSSF's "Have a Brave Conversation Toolkit" is a resource readily available for individuals, as well as firearm retailers, shooting ranges and others to train staff and educate customers about preventing suicide.
Engage in Safety Sweepstakes to Win a Biometric Lock
Coinciding with the launch of Gun Storage Check Week, visitors to GunStorageCheck.org will have the opportunity to enter the Gun Storage Check Week Sweepstakes to win a B.O.S. Lock Fusion — a firearm safety device that mounts to a handgun's accessory rail, combining a biometric slide lock with an integrated tactical light and green laser.
Those who enter the sweepstakes will have an opportunity to improve their chances of winning by earning bonus entries after watching up to two firearm safety videos. The Sweepstakes runs June 1–7.
An Industry-Wide Effort
Organizations, companies, law enforcement agencies and individuals can help amplify the visibility of Gun Storage Check Week by using free, ready-to-use assets available in an expansive Promotional Toolkit — which includes shareable graphics, digital ads, public service announcements and more. Retailers and range operators are invited to participate, as well, through in-store activations such as safety demonstrations and events to share the message of firearm safety in their communities.
"'Make Sure It's Secure' can help prevent firearm accidents, thefts, suicide and misuse — and it shows non-gun owners our industry is out front promoting firearm safety and responsible firearm ownership across America," Bartozzi said.
Gun Storage Check Week will repeat September 1–7, during National Suicide Prevention Month.
About NSSF: NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.