Category: Uncategorized

By: Scott Stuhr
National Program Coordinator at National 4-H Shooting Sports

As we continue to observe National Shooting Sports Month this August, it’s an important time to focus on the rules of gun safety and on the importance of passing on the heritage of safe enjoyment of the sport.

Many writers on this blog have done an excellent job discussing safety, so I want to take a moment and talk about passing along the heritage.  Most people think of 4-H as the “farming & agriculture program” but don’t know that for decades 4-H Shooting Sports has been a nationwide youth development program that uses firearms and archery equipment to teach life skills such as responsibility, discipline and respect.

The program’s focus on safety is paramount, ensuring that participants, many of whom may be handling firearms for the first time, understand the importance of following safety protocols to prevent accidents and promote responsible firearm use. Of course, storing firearms responsibly and securely when not in use is a hallmark of that safety instruction.

All of our Instructors undergo at least nine hours of training in shooting techniques and safety, along with three hours of instruction in positive youth development. They model safe behavior, teaching participants the essential safety rules: Always treat a firearm as if it’s loaded, Never point it at something you don’t intend to shoot, Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire and, Be aware of your target and its surroundings. Specifically, instructors teach and enforce “MAT,” which stands for Muzzle (always pointed in a safe direction), Action (always open until on the line and ready to shoot) and Trigger (finger off the trigger until ready to shoot), to all participants. Additionally, participants learn the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear, such as eye and ear protection.

Regular inspections of firearms and equipment are conducted to maintain safety, with any malfunctioning or unsafe gear immediately removed from use. Participants are taught to take personal responsibility for their actions, understanding that their decisions can have serious consequences. The program also instills discipline and focus, qualities that benefit participants in other areas of life, including academics and future careers.

Finally, Respect is a core value in 4-H Shooting Sports, encompassing respect for rules, peers, instructors and the community. This emphasis on safety and respect helps develop responsible, disciplined and respectful individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities, making the program much more than just training in marksmanship.

The 4-H Shooting Sports commitment to safety is a testament to its dedication to developing well-rounded, responsible young people who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

To learn more about the 4-H Shooting Sports program please visit 4-HShootingSports.org, or contact Scott Stuhr, National Program Coordinator, at 402-643-0704 or coordinator@4h-hshootingsports.org.

Scott Stuhr is the program coordinator for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program. Scott has over 25 years as a 4-H shooting sports instructor and served 7 years on the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee.

By: Julie Golob
World Champion, Veteran and Author

It’s National Shooting Sports Month! Whether you’re celebrating it with a trip to the range as a family or sharing target-shooting sports with new shooters, brushing up on rules and etiquette will make the excursion fun for everyone. Here are 6 things to consider before you hit the range: 

1. Make sure everyone brushes up on firearm safety rules. Knowing and understanding the fundamentals of firearm safety before you even head to the range helps ensure everyone has a safe and fun time. If you’re bringing younger kids to the range, make sure that they understand the range isn’t a playground and there are rules that cannot be broken. You’ll also want to ensure someone in your party monitors kids at all times so that they don’t venture past the firing line or climb berms. 
2. Come prepared with everything you need — including hearing and eye protection, firearms, ammunition and targets. Planning and packing ahead of time will make your range session more efficient and productive. Having a dedicated range bag is helpful. 
3. Wear/use appropriate eye and ear protection. Have eye and ear protection easy to access and ready to go so that as soon as you arrive, you can put it on. This way those who are already shooting don’t have to stop to wait for you to gear up. Eye and ear protection should be worn on the range at all times – whether you’re on the firing line or not. 
4. Be respectful of other shooters. If you’re shooting indoors in a shooting lane, make sure everyone in your group doesn’t interfere with shooters in other lanes. On outdoor ranges, you may need to wait for a bay to open up or if you’re able to shoot on the same firing line, be considerate and coordinate with fellow shooters on when to call the range safe and clear before heading down to inspect or repair targets. 
5. Clean up. Dispose of any targets and trash you see on the range and police up your brass. Make the range a better place for the next group of shooters. 
6. Practice good shooting hygiene. After you’re finished handling guns, shooting gear and ammo and you’ve picked up your trash and brass, wash up. It’s best to wash both your hands and face with cold, soapy water. You can also purchase handwipes specifically formulated to help remove lead and other contaminants from the skin. 

For additional information, you can check out the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Range Safety and Etiquette Video. And finally, one important point for after the range – remember to store all firearms securely in vehicles and at home when they are not in use. Secure storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearm accidents, thefts and misuse.   

Julie Golob is a multi-time world and national shooting champion, an experienced shooting instructor, woman of the outdoors, proud US Army veteran, published author, and a wife and mom (her two most treasured titles). She credits much of her success to a desire for to balance in life. Family is always first, and her personal motto in life is “work hard, share knowledge and showcase a winning spirit through a blend of kindness, ferocity and humility.” 

By: Ashlee Dickson
Sales and Marketing Associate at Console Vault

All of us at Console Vault are proud to partner with Project ChildSafe to celebrate and support National Night Out—a special event dedicated to building stronger, safer neighborhoods and expressing our gratitude to the law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to protect us.

What is National Night Out?

National Night Out, held on the first Tuesday in August, is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while fostering a sense of community. The event sees millions of neighbors across thousands of communities in the United States coming together for block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other activities.

A Night to Appreciate Law Enforcement — And Learn More about Keeping Your Home and Family Safe

Law enforcement officers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of our communities. They are often the first responders in times of crisis, the ones who keep our streets safe and the protectors of our loved ones. National Night Out provides a unique opportunity to recognize and appreciate the dedication, bravery and hard work of these officers. Most National Night Out events offer plenty of free resources on safety, in and out of the home.  Many of Project ChildSafe’s law enforcement partners take advantage of the event to hand out Project ChildSafe’s free gun locks and other information on responsible firearm storage. Whether you’re a new firearm owner, have owned firearms for years or even if you don’t have firearms — but do have children — in your home, these resources are for you.

We can all appreciate the importance of feeling secure, whether it’s in your vehicle, home or community. By supporting National Night Out, we can take steps to keep ourselves and our families safer, and contribute to a culture of appreciation and respect for those who put their lives on the line for our protection.

How You Can Participate

Participating in National Night Out is a wonderful way to show your support for local law enforcement and to build a stronger, more connected community. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

Join or Organize an Event: Many neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts and other community events. Check with your local police department or community organization to find out what’s happening in your area.

Thank a Police Officer: A simple gesture of gratitude can go a long way. Take a moment to thank a police officer for their service. Write a note, offer a handshake or simply say “thank you.”

Engage with Your Community: National Night Out is also about building relationships with your neighbors. Take the time to get to know the people who live around you. A strong, connected community is a safer community.

Spread the Word: Use social media to promote National Night Out and to share your appreciation for law enforcement. Encourage your friends and family to participate in local events and to show their support.

Join Us in Celebrating National Night Out

We are honored to stand with Project ChildSafe and communities across the nation in celebrating National Night Out. We believe in the power of strong communities and the critical role that law enforcement plays in maintaining the safety and security we all cherish. Let’s come together to show our appreciation, build lasting relationships and create safer neighborhoods for everyone.

For more information about National Night Out and how you can get involved, visit the official National Night Out website.

Together, we can make a difference. Happy National Night Out!

Ashlee Dickson is a Sales and Marketing Associate with Console Vault, a proud Project ChildSafe partner and leading provider of in-vehicle safes for the responsible storage of firearms and the protection of valuables with innovative security solutions for people on the go. To learn more, visit www.ConsoleVault.com.

By: Shanea Daniels
Director of Chapters and Membership
National African American Gun Association (NAAGA)

Each year, an estimated 200,000 firearms are stolen in the United States. For many of us who purchase firearms to safeguard our homes and families, the idea of our weapons falling into the wrong hands is alarming. While responsible gun owners often consider child safety, less thought is given to preventing theft, especially in everyday scenarios like visiting restricted locations or hosting guests.

Preventing guns from being stolen helps prevent crime in your community, as research shows the majority of guns used in crimes were previously stolen.  You can take direct steps to help make your home, family and community safer with this guide to protecting your firearms from theft and ensuring they always remain secure.

1. First and foremost, avoid storing your firearm in a vehicle’s glove box or center console. These areas are not secure — many can be unlocked with a universal key or even a simple screwdriver.
2. Although new firearms often come with cable locks, which certainly help prevent the gun from being used — especially by a young child — these are insufficient for preventing theft. Fortunately, various affordable and effective options are available, catering to all budgets and needs.
3. For versatile protection, consider these strategies:
   • Portable, Locked Cases: These are perfect for traveling and are often TSA-approved. They provide secure storage while allowing for mobility. Some models can be affixed to the frame of a car seat with a steel cable or bolted to home wall studs.
   • Locking Floating Shelves: These shelves blend seamlessly into home decor while offering quick access to firearms in high-traffic areas.
   • Furniture with Secret Compartments: Ideal for bedrooms, these pieces offer hidden locked storage that can be easily accessed in an emergency, especially with added lighting for nighttime use. Just note that a hidden gun is not secure gun, especially with children in the home – they like to explore, and will find the firearm.
   • Vehicle Console Safes: Customizable and secure, these safes lock with either a key or fingerprint, providing security for firearms in your car.
   • Heavy, Stand-Alone Safes: These safes are difficult to move and can store multiple firearms and ammunition, offering top-notch security within your home.

Firearm safety and personal protection should go hand-in-hand. New and experienced gun owners should take a close look at Project ChildSafe’s new “Gun Storage Check Module” for additional strategies and ideas for secure storage.  From there, research various options online, visit local gun shops and choose the options that best fit your lifestyle. By protecting your firearms effectively, you ensure they continue to protect you and your loved ones. Remember, securing your firearms is not just about safety—it’s about responsibility. Protect what protects you!

Shanea Daniels is the Director of Chapters and Membership for the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) and serves as the Project Manager for the 2024 National Convention. Shortly after joining NAAGA, both Shanea and her husband became certified firearm instructors. To date, they have successfully trained over 200 families in gun safety. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Shanea is deeply rooted in her roles as a wife, daughter, sister, mother of two and 2A (Second Amendment) advocate. She is an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

This week, NSSF launched the first nationwide Gun Storage Check Week to encourage all gun owners to check their firearm storage practices and, if necessary, make changes to prevent unwanted access. Throughout the week-long campaign, Project ChildSafe joined NSSF and other safety partners across the country to remind gun owners and their families to “Make Sure It’s Secure,” including:

• Armed Women of America                                                                     •    Anthony Police Department
• CarbonTV                                                                                                   •    Westlake Police Department
• Shoot Like A Girl                                                                                       •   Newport Beach Police Department
• USA Clay Target League                                                                          •   Folsom Police Department
• Union Sportsmen’s Alliance                                                                   •   Roanoke Police Department
• Women’s Outdoor News                                                                         •   Sebastian Police Department
• Kristy Titus                                                                                                •   Centerville Police Department
• California Waterfowl Association
• Girls with Guns Clothing
• Asian Pacific American Gun Owners Association

Secure firearm storage is the most effective way to help prevent firearm accidents, suicides and theft. Storage options are available at every budget level, including cable locks, lock boxes and full-size safes, to ensure firearms are securely stored when not in use. When circumstances warrant it, temporary offsite storage can be a solution, but remember to follow applicable firearm transfer laws.

We’re calling on all Project ChildSafe supporters to join us this Gun Storage Check Week – here’s a few ways you can help promote secure firearm storage within your communities:

• Visit the Gun Storage Check Week site and complete Project ChildSafe’s new module on firearm storage solutions that best fit your needs and lifestyle
• Explore the Gun Storage Check Week promotional toolkit, which includes:
  • Downloadable social media graphics and digital ads
  • Downloadable logos and infographics to add to your organization’s website
  • Audio public service announcements
  • Printable posters to display in your business
• Enter for a chance to win one of 25 FREE lock boxes provided in partnership with ShotLock at GunStorageCheck.org 
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X to reshare our social media content throughout the week.
  • Consider taking some photos that include Project ChildSafe materials/gun locks and send them to pcsstaff@projectchildsafe.org to be shared on Project ChildSafe’s social media accounts.
  • Post your own photos on social media and tag Project ChildSafe with the campaign hashtags (#GunStorageCheckWeek #GSCW) to be featured on our page.
• Remind your friends and family to review their secure storage practices to ensure they are doing their part to prevent unwanted access to their firearms. Check out these resources:
  • A Gun Storage Check Week infographic for reviewing safe storage practices
  • A handout on Firearm Storage Options detailing safe storage options for your lifestyle
  • A handout on Tips for Firearm Safety in your home

We can all do our part to help prevent firearm accidents, suicides and thefts. As support for Gun Storage Check Week continues to grow, so does our ability to reach more people with this vital safety messaging.

To quote NSSF’s President and CEO, Joe Bartozzi: “No one wants their gun in the hands of an unsupervised child, a person in crisis, an individual who lacks knowledge of firearms or a thief. If something bad happens because your gun isn’t stored securely, you’ll regret it, probably forever.”

Keep an eye out for the launch of a second Gun Storage Check Week observance coming September 1-7 to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month.

In 2021, at least 5.4 million people purchased a firearm for the first time—and more than 33 percent of those new gun owners were women. This brought in over 1 million women to gun ownership last year.

It’s exciting to see so many women exercising their Second Amendment right to own a firearm, whether it’s for personal security or to enjoy some of the dozens of shooting sports available to them and to be part of the supportive firearm-owning community.

To welcome and celebrate these new women gun owners, we’ve gathered some of most recognized women in the shooting sports industry to share their insights as leaders for women in shooting sports and provide their best tips and advice on how to safely handle and secure their firearms. Read what they have to say about the role women and mothers can play in helping to ensure firearm safety in the home.

(When it comes to safety, everyone can use a refresher—seasoned owners should read on too!)

 

Barbara Baird, Women’s Outdoor News

“Women should ask themselves these questions when buying a firearm:

    How will I use it (leave at home, open carry, concealed carry)?

   How will I safely and securely store it?

   Do I need training?

Don’t bring home a gun and try to figure out the answers later. Have a plan in place and execute.”

 

 

Kia Glenn, National African American Gun Association

“You don’t need to be a gun expert or champion shooter to know the ins and outs of firearm safety. As you begin your journey of owning a firearm, do your research and equip yourself with information to achieve the goals you set for yourself. The firearm industry offers a wealth of resources from programs like Project ChildSafe, which make it easy to learn more. You can also join groups and associations full of individuals that have similar backgrounds and experiences to ensure you receive the proper firearms education and training.”

 

 

Kristy Titus, Pursue the Wild

“Choose firearm storage options that suit your individual needs. There is a plethora of options to securely store your firearm that best fit your, and your family’s, lifestyle. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this video I made explaining the different types of storage methods and how to use them.

 

 

 

 

Lexi Lagan, USA Shooting and US Olympian

“When it comes to safe firearm handling and training, practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make improvement. Practice safe firearm handling daily to improve your skills. Take courses from certified instructors. Even if you think you have learned everything there is to know, classes help reinforce the critical basics of safe firearm handling. When you can handle firearms safely, training with your firearm becomes more comfortable and you will want to train more often, which leads to further improvement!”

 

 

 

Ashley Hlebinsky, The Gun Code

“Knowledge is the key to responsible firearms ownership. From researching how to safely handle your firearm, to relaying that information to the important people in your life and adding on training to build confidence, every step taken will help ensure safety in the home.

Also, know that you are not alone—you’re now part of a long history of women who have owned firearms. Feel empowered to continue that heritage and legacy into the future!”

 

 

 

Helen Moore, Armed Women of America

“Practice at least 10 minutes a day. Dry firing your firearm along with utilizing tools that ensure the firearm cannot be loaded to increase safety is a great way to improve your muscle memory skills, without having to go to a range. Practice gaining your sight picture, drawing from your holster and magazine changes to increase your understanding of your firearm.”

 

 

 

Orin Julie, Shooting Instructor, Content Creator and IPSC Shooter

“A first step into gun ownership is understanding and knowing the basic rules of gun safety. Build your foundation of safety with the following: keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, treat every gun as if it were loaded, and know your target and what’s beyond it.”

 

 

 

 

—

New and prospective gun owners can visit the Project ChildSafe resource library for additional safety information and educational materials, including downloadable resources. Parents can also find tailored resources for talking to kids about firearm safety, as well as teen mental health-specific information by visiting our Parents and Gun Owners page.

The SHOT Show is the firearm industry’s annual trade show which helps provide support for Project ChildSafe and other firearm industry safety initiatives. At SHOT Show 2022, Project ChildSafe proudly hosted the Women of the Gun event, which included the first-ever Woman of the Gun Award. The award, which recognizes outstanding women in the shooting sports industry, was given to Julie Golob for her embodiment of what it means to serve as an ambassador for firearm safety and empowering other women gun owners to do the same.

In addition to being a vocal and notable advocate of firearm safety, Julie earned more than 150 major championship titles, including more than 50 world and national titles, over the past 30 years.

Julie began working with Project ChildSafe in 2013, lending her name and expertise to a host of firearm safety education efforts, including guest columns, social media campaigns, public appearances and videos—including a feature video on how to talk to kids about gun safety.

The Project ChildSafe team recently interviewed Julie about the award and her years spent advocating for responsible firearm ownership and safe storage.

 

How important is it for female gun owners to contribute their voice to the conversation around firearm safety and safe storage? What unique insights can women provide on the topic?

“Everyone has an important role to play when it comes to talking about genuine firearm safety and the practices that make everyone safer around firearms. When we know and understand the universal messages about gun safety, we can provide valuable perspective and clarity to others. Women are taking increased responsibility for their own safety by purchasing firearms in record numbers. As women, our experiences as daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, students, teachers and leaders help us to reach the people we are drawn to and those who are drawn to us. This reach allows women to be leaders in promoting safe handling and storage through joining women’s shooting groups, serving as mentors, seeking trainings, ensuring a safe home environment and more.  The more we can all share our dedication to safety as gun owners, the better!”

 

What inspires you to be so vocal about promoting firearm safety?

“Even as a young shooter, I learned about the importance of firearm safety. From a young age having discussions with my parents about guns to learning how to hunt and shoot with my father, my time on the range and the field were so special. We had so much fun, but there was always the underlying importance of safety rules and respect. Firearm safety begins in the home and it’s something everyone should learn. Becoming educated on these fundamentals leads to a better understanding of how we use guns responsibly for target shooting and hunting and own them for security reasons. Not everyone has family mentors as I did, and being a helpful guide when it comes to this topic is extremely rewarding.”

 

What would you tell women new to firearm ownership, or just starting their journey into the shooting sports, that want to help ensure safety in the home?

“The cardinal rules of gun safety—keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, treating every gun as if it were loaded, and knowing your target and what’s beyond it—are foundational to gun ownership. Following safe practices is going to allow you to get the most out of your time spent at the range, learning new types of shooting or getting involved in competition. These and other best practices—such as how to safely conduct yourself at a shooting range or in the field while hunting—build your confidence as a gun owner. I love that there is always an opportunity to improve as a gun owner, and mastering firearm safety and incorporating it into your life is a crucial part of that improvement. Whether it’s hunting different types of game, embarking on the journey of carrying a firearm concealed, or challenging yourself in competition to be the best shot you can be, that foundation of safety is where it all begins.”

 

How can more women get involved in spreading firearm safety practices in their homes? With their family? In their communities?

“The simple and easy way to start spreading safety is by starting a conversation. Though initiating the topic might be uncomfortable at first, talking about gun safety is worthwhile and you don’t have to be a gun owner to talk about real firearm safety. Project Childsafe has so many resources to make this easier and there are many ways to break the ice and hit the target. Ease your way into it by adding it to your family’s home safety plan, when you take the time to talk about what to do during a fire, or other emergency situations. You can take the Project Childsafe pledge with loved ones and share it with others in your circle. Start with close friends and loved ones. When you are comfortable extend it by sharing your experiences and successes with others. This kind of personal experience goes beyond posting articles and images on social media because it’s both valuable and personal.”

 

Finally, congratulations on being named the 2022 Woman of the Gun! What does it mean to be named the first-ever recipient of the award?

“It is such an honor to be nominated and included among women in the shooting sports who tirelessly promote firearm safety and education. When I learned I was selected, I immediately felt so humbled and grateful. As a professional competition shooter, competing is a huge part of my life, but for an award like this, it’s not a competition, it’s a celebration. That makes receiving this acknowledgment all the more special.”

 

Julie also shared her thoughts on being named the 2022 Woman of the Gun on her blog, which you can read here.

 

 

Name: Chief Catrina Thompson

Department: Winston-Salem Police Department – Winston-Salem, NC

 

How does your agency distribute Project ChildSafe gun locks and safety materials in your community?

Our Evidence Management Section provides a Project ChildSafe lock along with a firearm safety educational brochure with nearly every handgun or long gun that we return to citizens in our community.

Why does your department partner with Project ChildSafe?

Project ChildSafe has provided hundreds of firearm safety kits to our agency over the past 10+ years. We are encouraged by the work that Project ChildSafe is doing to promote safe firearm storage and education in so many communities across the country, including our own.

Many firearm owners have never seen or used a gun lock. We also have citizens who have commented that they had intended to purchase a gun lock but never did. Partnering with Project ChildSafe has given us an opportunity to provide free firearm safety locks for firearm owners within our community who may have not considered using or purchasing a lock on their own otherwise. It is fulfilling to know we are in a position where we can educate others about the need for such a life-saving product.

How has access to free gun locks and safety materials impacted your community?

With access to these free firearm safety kits, we are able not only to educate our community about the importance of firearm safety, but also provide the necessary resources to ensure firearms are safely maintained and stored in our citizens’ homes.

Residents can also find additional information and firearm safety resources, including safe storage options and tips for firearm safety at home in Project ChildSafe’s resource library.

How can residents in your community and communities across the country become more involved in spreading the message of safety?

We hope that with each Project ChildSafe gun lock that is distributed into our community, owners are talking with their children and families about the importance of firearm safety. While it may be hard to start a discussion with children or loved ones about the importance of firearm safety, it is a critically important step as a firearm owner. Project ChildSafe has resources for parents that can help frame the firearm safety conversation with children.

Just taking one extra step in safely securing a firearm can have a powerful impact on the safety of our friends, families and neighbors in our communities.

Name: Officer Daniel Wiechman (Community Liaison Officer)

Department: Fox Crossing Police Department – Neenah, WI

 

How does your agency distribute Project ChildSafe gun locks and safety materials in your community?

Our agency makes Project ChildSafe’s gun safety materials and locks available year-round via a display at our lobby window. We also bring all safety materials for our booth that we staff at local events throughout the year, like our Safety Day, which is held in conjunction with our other local public safety branches, including the fire department. Additionally, there are other events held by corporate partners who have requested our presence, and we make the Project ChildSafe materials and locks available to their employees as well. These events serve as an opportunity to connect with residents and ensure that they have the tools and education to practice safe firearm storage in the home, in vehicles and in any other situation.

Why does your department partner with Project ChildSafe?

Firearm safety is an extremely important topic for everyone, regardless of age. Too many individuals believe firearm safety is just a topic to discuss with young children. Project ChildSafe, as well as the Fox Crossing Police Department, want to ensure firearm safety is top of mind for gun owners and non-gun owners alike by promoting resources that help make this conversation easier.

Through our partnership with Project ChildSafe, we hope to increase community-wide awareness of the importance of responsible gun ownership, as well as the availability of free gun locks and educational materials to community members.

How has access to free gun locks and safety materials impacted your community?

I have personally had conversations with local residents who appreciate the locks. Many residents come with the expectation that the locks are for purchase, and we are always proud to report that they are free. Residents have also shared that their current methods of firearm storage were not nearly as safe as they should be, and they were eager to put the locks to good use. These are the ways – big and small – that we see Project ChildSafe helping promote and encourage gun safety in Wisconsin.

How can residents in your community and communities across the country become more involved in spreading the message of safety?

A key step to helping underscore the incredibly important topic of secure firearm storage stems from simply sharing the Project ChildSafe message and educational materials with friends and family. This small step will help strengthen our community.

Anyone who may not be familiar with Project ChildSafe should take the opportunity to watch how to properly install a firearm safety lock. This is a perfect opportunity for the firearm owner to openly discuss the importance of firearm security and safety, and in turn, promote such an invaluable program.

For more information about Fox Crossing Police Department’s upcoming safety events, visit the department’s website.

You can review and download Project ChildSafe’s many educational resources through the program’s resource library.

 

Name: Jack Logan

Organization: Founder of Put Down the Guns Now Young People

Why does your organization partner with Project ChildSafe?

Put Down the Guns Now Young People was formed in 2010 with a strong community commitment to firearm safety following a series of local firearm accidents. Prior to the accidents, I had never heard of a gun lock. However, the increased number of accidents across South Carolina sparked my passion to help spread firearm safety messages, resources and educational materials throughout my community in any way that I could.

Initially, we reached out to law enforcement agencies for locks. Through our local community outreach and efforts, we learned that many community members were unaware that locks were available for free through their local law enforcement agencies. Our organization was able to distribute the free gun locks and educational resources in the community in ways law enforcement agency partners couldn’t.

After some time, I reached out to Project ChildSafe directly to distribute firearm safety kits. After working together for about ten years, our group has distributed over 10,000 Project ChildSafe gun locks in South Carolina.

How does your organization distribute Project ChildSafe gun locks and safety materials in your community?

Put Down the Guns Now Young People distributes gun locks and firearm safety materials in a few ways:

• Hosting Gun Safety Events: We look for different ways to teach both children and parents about the importance of firearm safety. This includes hosting demonstrations with community members and giving away gun locks at church events. We have had great success generating media coverage of these events, further expanding the program’s reach.
  Distributing Locks: We frequently go door to door in communities, distributing gun locks and talking to parents and kids about how to use the locks. When we go out into the community, we teach people the importance of always practicing basic firearm safety. We remind parents that if they carry or have a firearm in the home, they need to keep it locked up when not in use. We also remind parents that even if their kids are only playing with toy guns, they should treat them as real guns and not point the guns at people.

Over the past ten years, since we started working with Project ChildSafe, we’ve found that firearm safety is an issue that reaches everyone – regardless of background, societal status or ethnicity. It’s such an important topic that everyone needs to be aware of and informed about. That’s a huge factor behind why we are involved in so many different outreach events – we will drive far and wide to any group or community that is interested in receiving information about safe firearm storage and ownership.

How has access to free gun locks and safety materials impacted your community?

Since we started Put Down the Guns Now Young People, we’ve distributed thousands of gun locks and educational materials in South Carolina and other communities across the country. We believe educating people about the importance of firearms safety and providing gun locks has helped to reduce the number of accidents in our communities.

Project ChildSafe’s wide range of resources (including resources for hunters, law enforcement agencies, parents and educators) have had a positive impact within my community. We have been able to share these resources with many different groups with differing needs, increasing the total number of people we have been able to reach and educate.

How can residents in your community and communities across the country become more involved in spreading the message of safety?

We encourage law enforcement agencies to use and share Project ChildSafe’s educational resources with their communities. It’s so important that parents understand the vital importance of firearm safety. Every parent that we educate about firearm safety, creates an opportunity for them to talk to and educate another parent.

If someone reading this wanted to start a similar gun safety effort in their community, what advice would you give them?

I would recommend they initially start with teaching children the importance of not touching a gun when adults are not around. If they want to take up target shooting or hunting, they must be taught how to properly and safely handle a gun under adult supervision. From there, it’s important to consider the role of organizations such as Project ChildSafe, which can offer gun locks and educational materials – all key items for anyone who is promoting gun safety in their community.