News Archive

NEWTOWN, Conn., and NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Vista Outdoor, a world leader in commercial, law enforcement and military ammunition and hunt/shoot accessories, has become a Silver Sponsor of the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Project ChildSafe program. The sponsorship enhances previous partnerships between the two organizations and advances their shared goal of promoting safe firearms handling, genuine gun safety, and responsible storage.

“Vista Outdoor and its shooting sports brands are proud to increase our support for Project ChildSafe,” said Fred Ferguson, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “We believe in the importance of promoting firearm safety and education. Our donation will get more gun locks and gun safety information into the hands of firearms owners, helping to keep our communities safe and passing down this legacy of responsibility to future generations.”

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. The centerpiece of the program is its free firearm safety kits, which include a cable style gun lock and safety brochure. To date, the program has distributed more than 38 million free gun locks through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies.

The program is almost entirely funded by NSSF member companies. In recent years, demand for the kits and program resources has more than quadrupled. Donations, grants and corporate sponsorships from partners like Vista Outdoor and its brands Federal and CCI Ammunition, Bushnell, RCBS, Hoppe’s, Champion, BLACKHAWK, Primos, and Savage are helping NSSF keep up with the demand.

“Vista Outdoor’s generous donation will help Project ChildSafe grow and continue to spread the message of “Own It? Respect It. Secure It.,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF’s CEO and Chairman of the Project ChildSafe Foundation. “We’re honored that Vista Outdoor has recognized the value of this program and wants to be a part of it. Proper firearm storage when not in use is the number one way to help prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse, and we welcome all the support we can get in that effort.”

Vista Outdoor made its donation to the Project ChildSafe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity that helps support the Project ChildSafe firearm safety program.

More information on Project ChildSafe sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Project ChildSafe website.

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About Project ChildSafe: NSSF, the trade association of the firearms industry, launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (originally as Project HomeSafe). Since 1999, the program has provided more than 38 million free firearm safety kits and gun locks to firearm owners in all 50 states through partnerships with thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country. That’s in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included, and continue to include, with new firearms sold since 1998. While helping to prevent accidents among children is a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help adults practice greater firearm safety in the home. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

About Vista Outdoor: Vista Outdoor is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets. The company has a portfolio of well-recognized brands such as Federal and CCI Ammunition, Bushnell, RCBS, Hoppe’s, Champion, BLACKHAWK, Primos, and Savage. Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide. For news and information, visit www.vistaoutdoor.com or follow us on Twitter @VistaOutdoorInc and Facebook at www.facebook.com/vistaoutdoor.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, along with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), recognize more than a year of raising firearms safety awareness with Project ChildSafe Memphis. Since launching the community-wide initiative, Project ChildSafe has distributed approximately 17,000 free gun locks, safety kits and educational materials, and established 15 community partnerships. The initiative has helped to educate gun owners and the public on the importance of firearms safety and safe storage to help prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse.

“For more than a year, Project ChildSafe has given away thousands of locks to Memphis residents and we have seen heightened awareness of how to responsibly store firearms,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. “Firearms accidents are preventable, and Project ChildSafe is helping educate residents and equip them with the necessary tools to keep firearms out of the wrong hands.”

The program is committed to making thousands of additional locks and other safety resources available in 2019. Distribution of those locks and materials is made possible through partnerships with Memphis Parks and Recreation, Memphis Police Department, firearms retailers and local churches.

“Project ChildSafe Memphis is a two-year program, and we’ve already seen a lot of success establishing strong local partnerships, which have been paramount in gaining the attention and trust of residents,” said NSSF CEO Steve Sanetti. “We will continue to amplify the importance of responsible gun ownership to improve safe use and responsible storage of firearms.”

Project ChildSafe Communities is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (DOJ-BJA). BJA awarded this grant to help promote additional firearms safety efforts on a national level through the creation of “Project ChildSafe Communities” in key cities around the country. Project ChildSafe Communities also launched in Oklahoma City and Cleveland, two other locations whose communities organized to encourage safe and responsible firearms ownership.

Since 1999, when Project ChildSafe was established as a firearms safety education program of NSSF, the trade association representing the firearms industry, the program has distributed more than 38 million free firearm safety kits and has helped educate firearms owners on the importance of gun safety in communities across all 50 states and five U.S. territories. For more information on Project ChildSafe Communities and how to get involved, visit www.projectchildsafe.org/focus-communities.

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This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-FG-BX-K001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

About NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.

About Project ChildSafe

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (prior to 2003 the program was called Project HomeSafe) as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. While children are a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help young people and adults practice greater firearm safety as well. Through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies, the program has provided more than 38 million free firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. That’s in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included with new firearms sold since 1998 and continue to do today. Learn more at projectchildsafe.org.

NEWTOWN, Conn. — In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, and Project ChildSafe, NSSF’s national firearms safety education program, are reminding gun owners that securely storing their firearms could help save the life of someone going through a difficult time.

In addition to keeping guns away from those who shouldn’t have access to them, NSSF notes that reaching out to a person you’re concerned about can be extremely important. Research shows that asking someone if they are having suicidal thoughts will not put the person at greater risk. In most cases, it brings relief to those in need of help by showing that someone cares enough to bring it up. NSSF offers resources online to help identify warning signs and risk factors, how to locate assistance and tips on how to keep firearms secured and safely out of reach.

“Given that two-thirds of firearms-related fatalities are suicides, firearms owners can play a role in helping to prevent these tragedies,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF’s President and CEO. “Understanding what to look for, having a brave conversation and securing firearms when not in use can help save lives.”

Last year, NSSF embarked on a collaborative partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) on a national firearms and suicide prevention program. NSSF and AFSP have worked systemically to disseminate suicide prevention education materials to firearms retailers, shooting ranges and their customers. NSSF supports AFSP’s Project 2025, an initiative to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20 percent by the year 2025.

NSSF and Project ChildSafe are taking the opportunity to remind firearms owners and their families about their important responsibility in helping to prevent suicide, and to be aware of those around them who may be going through a difficult time. Learn more about suicide prevention at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website, www.afsp.org/ and about the AFSP-NSSF Suicide Prevention Program at http://www.nssf.org/safety/suicide-prevention.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-274-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a leading cause of death, and it’s preventable: By keeping secure firearm storage in mind, you can help reduce the number of suicides involving firearms. Learn about Safe Storage Options.

Learn the risks and warning signs of suicide: If you are worried about a friend or family member, don’t wait to reach out. View AFSP’s “Talk Saves Lives” video.

Let them know you care: It’s okay to talk directly with someone about whether they had thoughts of suicide and to encourage them to seek help, according to AFSP. Asking about suicidal thoughts and showing concern will not put someone at greater risk.

If you are concerned about a loved one: Always store firearms securely and consider temporary off-site storage for firearms with a trusted friend or relative. View the AFSP-NSSF Firearms prevention and Suicide Prevention brochure.

Project ChildSafe also provides a full library of videos, brochures and other tools on its website to help gun owners practice and promote responsible firearms ownership.

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About NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.

About Project ChildSafe

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (prior to 2003 the program was called Project HomeSafe) as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners, young adults and children. Through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies, the program has provided more than 37 million free firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse. That’s in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included with new firearms sold since 1998 and continue to do today. Project ChildSafe was also recognized as one of three finalists in the National Safety Council’s 2018 “Green Cross for Safety” Awards. Learn more at projectchildsafe.org.

Project ChildSafe’s S.A.F.E. Summer campaign reminds firearms owners to securely store firearms when not in use

NEWTOWN, Conn. – Project ChildSafe, the nationwide firearms safety education program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), is urging all gun owners to make responsible firearms storage a priority — and providing the tools to do so — with the launch of its sixth annual “S.A.F.E. Summer” campaign.

Launched in conjunction with “National Safety Month” every June, S.A.F.E. Summer emphasizes the importance of storing firearms responsibly when not in use, especially during the summer months when children are home and more likely to be unsupervised. “S.A.F.E.” serves as an acronym for Store your firearms responsibly when not in use; Always practice firearms safety; Focus on your responsibilities as a firearms owner; and Education is key to preventing accidents.

“Summer is an important time for firearms owners to make sure they’re properly securing their firearms, both in the home and in their vehicles, as children may be spending more time unattended in these locations,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “NSSF and Project ChildSafe encourage firearms owners and non-owners alike to talk with their families about firearms safety to help prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse.” Secure storage of firearms also can play a role in helping to prevent suicide by placing time and distance between an at-risk person and a firearm.

Through Project ChildSafe, firearms owners can obtain free firearm safety kits, including a gun lock, at local law enforcement agencies across the country. Project ChildSafe also offers a variety of educational resources free on its website. These include a S.A.F.E. Summer Quiz, information on safe storage options, brochures and a video series. New videos for 2018, developed in partnership with the National Crime Prevention Council, feature McGruff the Crime Dog, and teach children the four important steps to remember if they find a firearm or if someone they know brings one to school. Another video offers guidance to help parents talk about gun safety with their kids. Also available is the AFSP-NSSF Firearms and Suicide Prevention brochure developed by NSSF and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe (originally known as Project HomeSafe) in 1999 as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. While children are a primary focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help children and adults practice greater firearms safety. Through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies, the program has provided more than 37 million free firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories, which is in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included with new firearms sold since 1998. Project ChildSafe was also recognized as one of three finalists in the National Safety Council’s 2018 “Green Cross for Safety” Awards.

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About NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit www.nssf.org.

Community effort focuses on preventing firearms accidents, thefts and misuse

CLEVELAND – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), along with U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler Bob Golic joined with local leaders today to launch “Project ChildSafe Cleveland,” a firearms safety initiative focused on helping to prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse by providing information and thousands of free gun locks to Cleveland-area residents.

“Firearms accidents are preventable tragedies, and we must work together as a community if we want to prevent them,” said Dr. C. Jay Matthews of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. “Many people have guns because they want to protect themselves and their families. Protecting your family doesn’t stop with bringing a gun into your home. Protecting your family also means doing what you need to do so that a loaded gun isn’t picked up by a child.”

In launching the program, Cleveland joins a national “Project ChildSafe Communities” initiative designed to promote responsible firearms ownership, with an emphasis on secure firearms storage. The event marks the start of a year-long, community-led effort encouraging gun owners in Cleveland to “Own It? Respect It. Secure It.”

The initiative will be marked by efforts to partner with local organizations to make thousands of free gun locks available throughout the region. The cable-style gun locks come as part of a firearm safety kit that includes information on gun safety and secure storage in the home.

“I am pleased to welcome Project ChildSafe into our community to educate firearms owners on the importance of proper and safe storage,” said Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “Preventing firearms from reaching the hands of children, criminals or anyone legally prohibited from possessing a firearm contributes to the overall safety of Cleveland.”

In addition to Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and the U.S. Attorney’s office, the initiative is partnering with several local organizations representing retailers, mental health and suicide prevention advocates, youth organizations and conservation groups. Current partners include the Cleveland Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 4-H Shooting Sports, the Boy Scouts of America – Lake Eerie Council, Delta Waterfowl, Sportsmen of Tomorrow, the Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees, Eye on Target Radio, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, the Parma City Council and the Sportsmen of Tomorrow.

The initiative will work with these groups, and welcomes the support and involvement of others, to help spread messages and information about responsible firearms storage. Their collective efforts will be backed up by community-wide messaging that that will appear in social media, in an upcoming public service announcement on TV and radio, and on billboards around the Cleveland region.

Another of the initiative’s main goals is highlighting the importance for families to talk about gun safety. Organizers emphasize that even if parents don’t own guns, they should still talk to their kids about what to do if they find a gun or they see one at a friend’s house.

“As a parent, firearms safety has always been top of mind in my home,” said former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler and current TV and radio personality Bob Golic. “Thankfully in addition to offering free gun locks and safety kits, Project ChildSafe has resources available to make this conversation a bit easier.”.”

Project ChildSafe Communities is supported by NSSF through a two-year $2.4 million grant by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). BJA awarded this grant to help promote additional firearms safety efforts on a national level by creating Project ChildSafe Communities in key cities around the country. In addition to helping prevent accidents, the program is also focused on the issue of firearms and suicide prevention, as data shows nearly two-thirds of suicide attempts involve a firearm.

“NSSF’s partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention represents an exciting new opportunity to help reduce the misuse of firearms in Cleveland and nationwide,” said Jane Lewins, President of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Often, the decision to end one’s life is made impulsively; having a gun securely stored puts space between the decision to act and the act itself. That space can mean the difference between a life saved and a tragedy.”

Through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and more than 8,700 organizational supporters, Project ChildSafe has helped educate firearms owners on the importance of gun safety, while distributing more than 37 million free firearm safety kits to communities in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

“Cleveland represents the first Project ChildSafe community effort in Ohio and, based on the tremendous local support we’ve seen already, it will serve as a model for similar firearms safety efforts across the state and around the nation,” said NSSF spokesperson Bill Romanelli.

For more information on Project ChildSafe Communities and how to get involved, visit projectchildsafe.org.

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This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-FG-BX-K001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Project ChildSafe Appreciation Week demonstrates Oklahoma’s commitment to zero firearms accidents.

OKLAHOMA – Gov. Mary Fallin has proclaimed May 28 through June 1 as Project ChildSafe Appreciation week in the state of Oklahoma. Since its launch at the State Capitol, Project ChildSafe, the firearms safety education program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), has distributed more than 5K firearm locks and safety kits containing educational materials throughout the region.

“This week, we affirm our commitment to ‘Aiming for Zero’ firearms accidents,” said Fallin. “Firearms safety is vitally important, and we should continue to work together as a community to foster a culture that practices responsible gun ownership.”

Unsecured guns pose an accident risk to children and create opportunities for firearms accidents, theft and misuse. With more than 42 percent of U.S. households owning at least one firearm, the state of Oklahoma recognizes Project ChildSafe Appreciation week as an opportunity to educate parents and children on the importance of firearms safety and responsible storage to help preserve the safety of neighborhoods, communities and families.

“Support from committed local partners, law enforcement and government officials has made it possible to make thousands of additional locks and safety resources available across the region,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “If we continue to work together, we can do even more to help prevent accidents and keep firearms out of the wrong hands.”

More than 200 organizations throughout the state of Oklahoma have partnered together with Project ChildSafe to promote firearms safety awareness through the distribution of free firearm safety kits, including a gun lock and educational materials, and messages around safe firearms storage. The program has distributed more than 37 million firearm locks nationally since its inception.

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About NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.

About Project ChildSafe

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (prior to 2003 the program was called Project HomeSafe) as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. While children are a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help young people and adults practice greater firearm safety as well. Through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies, the program has provided more than 37 million free firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. That’s in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included with new firearms sold since 1998 and continue to do today. Learn more at projectchildsafe.org.

New Partners, 7,000 More Gun Locks and More Places to Get them Coming in Time for Summer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), together with Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant, today announced that Project ChildSafe’s free gun locks, will now be available at all 30 of Memphis’ community and senior centers throughout the city, starting Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28.

The announcement comes as Project ChildSafe Memphis marks more than six months of working to promote responsible gun storage in the region. The program launched last October, following several accidents involving children who found unsecured firearms in their homes. Through partnerships with the Mayor’s Office, the Memphis Police Department, suicide prevention groups, local media and the faith community, Project ChildSafe Memphis gave away more than 3,000 gun locks on Oct. 17. Since then, more than 6,000 additional locks have been distributed by the Memphis police, community organizations, firearms retailers and local churches.

“Thousands of locks have been given away, families are talking, and the program is definitely helping make gun safety in the home a priority throughout Memphis,” said Mayor Strickland. “Rather than get complacent, however, we’re working with Project ChildSafe to make 3,000 more gun locks and educational resources available at all of our city’s community and senior centers, and our police department is making an additional 4,000 locks available through all of its precincts.”

New partnerships with organizations such as the Making A Difference Coalition, which holds multiple events around the region, will complement existing partnerships with 4-H Shooting Sports, Delta Waterfowl, Range USA, The Well Armed Woman, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, The Pursuit of God Transformation Center, and local media to continue emphasizing firearms safety in the home.

“As a community, we have seen directly how firearms accidents and misuse affect families, neighborhoods and whole communities,” said Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. “And in almost every case, we’ve also seen how accidents could have been prevented. I’m hopeful that as this campaign continues in Memphis, these efforts will save lives.”

Project ChildSafe Memphis, as part of the Project ChildSafe Communities initiative, is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The goal of the effort is to remind gun owners that securely storing firearms when not in use is the number one way to help prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse.

“This enhanced effort is especially important as summer begins,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “Storing firearms responsibly is important all year, but it’s important to really stress that message when school is out and kids are more likely to be at home and possibly on their own.”

Through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and more than 8,700 organizational supporters, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program has distributed more than 37 million free firearm safety kits—which include a free gun lock— and has helped educate firearms owners on the importance of gun safety in communities across all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

For more information on Project ChildSafe Communities and how to get involved, visit projectchildsafe.org.

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This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-FG-BX-K001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Project ChildSafe recognized for contributions toward promoting firearms safety at national, local level

CHICAGO – Project ChildSafe, the firearms safety education program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), was honored to be named among one of three finalists vying for the National Safety Council’s 2018 Green Cross for Safety Awards, which were presented May 23. NSSF and Project ChildSafe’s selection as a finalist for the Excellence in Safety Award recognized the program’s continued commitment to helping prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse.

“NSSF and Project ChildSafe are thankful to the National Safety Council for the prestigious nomination and for its tireless efforts to spotlight organizations working to create advancements in safety,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “We congratulate the winners; there is truth in the saying, it’s an honor to be nominated. We may not have won, but this kind of recognition by the National Safety Council underscores the importance of programs such as Project ChildSafe in emphasizing firearms safety awareness at the local and national levels, and inspires us to work even harder.”

Since 1999, NSSF has sponsored Project ChildSafe, which works to promote firearms safety awareness through the distribution of free firearm safety kits, including a gun lock and educational materials, and messages around safe firearms storage. The program has distributed more than 37 million firearm locks since its inception.

Additionally, NSSF was recently awarded a two-year $2.4 million grant by the Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance to launch “Project ChildSafe Communities,” a focused initiative that fosters a culture of firearms safety in specific communities with significant rates of firearms ownership, and elevates firearms safety education at the national level.

For more information about Project ChildSafe and firearms safety, visit projectchildsafe.org.

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About NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.

About Project ChildSafe

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (prior to 2003 the program was called Project HomeSafe) as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. While children are a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help young people and adults practice greater firearm safety as well. Through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies, the program has provided more than 37 million free firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. That’s in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included with new firearms sold since 1998 and continue to do today. Learn more at projectchildsafe.org.

About the National Safety Council

The National Safety Council (nsc.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact.

Visit nsc.org/awards for additional information about the National Safety Council Awards.

New partners join regional effort in “Aiming for Zero” firearms accidents

OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and a growing list of local partners, today marked the one-year anniversary of Project ChildSafe Oklahoma City by renewing their commitment to make firearms safety for children a priority throughout the community in 2018.

“The goal of Project ChildSafe Oklahoma City remains ‘Aiming for Zero’ firearms accidents and working together on efforts that will help stop firearms thefts and misuse,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “We’re one year in and we’ve accomplished a lot, but we’re really only just getting started.”

Since its launch at the State Capitol last year, Project ChildSafe Oklahoma City has distributed more than 4,500 firearm locks and safety kits containing educational materials throughout the region. NSSF and the Project ChildSafe program have committed to making thousands of additional locks and other safety resources available across the city in 2018. The goal of Project ChildSafe is to remind gun owners that securely storing firearms when not in use is the number one way to help prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse.

Distribution of those locks and materials is made possible through partnerships between the Oklahoma City Police Department and Fire Department, along with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, and local organizations including Hall & Hall Consulting, the Oklahoma City Gun Club, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Wild Turkey Foundation.

Overall, more than 20 local organizations have committed to share educational resources and information on firearms safety through Project ChildSafe Oklahoma City. In the past few months several new partners, including the Oklahoma Indian Health Service, the Latino Community Development Agency and Pheasants/Quail Forever have joined the program in order to expand its reach to new audiences.

“We are thrilled to be supporting the efforts of Project ChildSafe as we aim for zero firearms accidents. We are eager to work together to promote firearms safety all around Oklahoma and within the American Indian communities,” Oklahoma Area Indian Health Service Injury Prevention Specialist said.

Those efforts will be complemented by plans for a region-wide student essay contest, community events, and a new public service announcement developed in partnership with KFOR TV Channel 4.

“We’re very privileged to be working with such a dedicated group of supporters and partners who share our commitment to this cause,” Sanetti said. “We look forward to reaching farther into the community and promoting smart habits that will help keep guns safely stored away from children, at-risk individuals and criminals.”

Project ChildSafe Communities is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). BJA awarded this grant to help promote additional firearms safety efforts on a national level through the creation of “Project ChildSafe Communities” in key cities around the country. Project ChildSafe Communities also launched in Memphis, Tenn., last October, and will kick off in Cleveland, Ohio, early this year.

Through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and more than 3,400 organizational supporters, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program has distributed more than 37 million free firearm safety kits—which include a free gun lock— and has helped educate firearms owners on the importance of gun safety in communities across all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

For more information on Project ChildSafe Communities and how to get involved, visit projectchildsafe.org.

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This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-FG-BX-K001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

October 17 marked the successful launch of a community-led effort focused on preventing firearms accidents, thefts and misuse.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Project ChildSafe distributed more than 2,000 free gun locks and several thousand more flyers and handouts on firearms safety and secure storage during its Project ChildSafe Communities citywide kickoff event yesterday. Mayor Jim Strickland, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, City of Memphis leaders, law enforcement officials, local media partners, site directors and volunteers all contributed to raising awareness about responsible firearms ownership.

“Yesterday was truly a collaborative effort, and we thank everyone who dedicated their day to visiting the six distribution sites between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., providing instruction on how to use the Project ChildSafe gun locks, talking to residents about additional safe storage options such as lock boxes for the home and vehicles, and in general helping spread the message about being a responsible firearms owner,” said Bill Brassard, Senior Director, Communications, for NSSF, the trade association for the firearms industry.

The kickoff event was the start of a year-long, community-led effort encouraging gun owners to “Own It? Respect It. Secure It.” With funding from a $2.4 million federal grant, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program will be further engaged in firearms safety education in the Memphis region into next year. Working with local stakeholders, Project ChildSafe will continue to remind residents to take steps to securely store their firearms when not in use to help prevent accidents, thefts and misuse, including suicide.

Please note that residents who didn’t have the chance to receive a gun lock and educational literature yesterday can pick one up at their convenience from the Memphis Police Department precinct offices.

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Through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and more than 3,400 organizational supporters, Project ChildSafe has helped educate firearms owners on the importance of gun safety, while distributing more than 37 million free firearm safety kits—which include a free gun lock—to communities in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

For more information on Project ChildSafe Communities and how to get involved, visit projectchildsafe.org.

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This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-FG-BX-K001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.