Firearms are now the leading cause of injury-related death for children and youth in North Carolina.
One crucial aspect of ensuring gun safety is to promote safe gun storage practices in the home environment and in cars.
If you own a firearm, make sure you are taking these steps to help prevent a tragedy:
- Firearms should always be unloaded when not in use, stored securely in locked cabinets or safes, and kept separate from ammunition.
- If you choose to keep a firearm in your vehicle, make sure that your car is locked and that your gun is secured with a lock or lockbox and stored out of sight. This keeps the firearm in the right hands—yours—and protects against theft.
- Out-of-home firearm storage is especially helpful when someone in the household is experiencing a mental health crisis or is at risk for suicide. Firearm owners may also choose to temporarily store firearms outside their homes at other times, such as when traveling or when children are visiting: www.ncsafe.org/safestorage.
Consider discussing safe storage practices and child safety with friends and family members, particularly if you are planning a get-together involving children. Talk with people in your community like school administrators and extracurricular group leaders about resources they can share with other parents to keep kids safe.
Gun-locking devices and teaching young people about firearm safety to prevent accidents and unauthorized access can save lives. Locally, community members can access gun locks from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office at 339 New Leicester Highway, Asheville, NC 28806, or in downtown Asheville at 60 Court Plaza, 4th floor. Gun locks are also provided to the public via the Buncombe County Public Health Mobile Team at various community events.
As partners in Buncombe County address the increase in youth firearm complaints, community-wide collaboration and proactive measures are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of our youth. Learn more about…
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