News Archive

Community-led effort focuses on preventing firearms accidents, thefts and misuse

MEMPHIS, TENN. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), along with Mayor Jim Strickland, D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, City of Memphis leaders and law enforcement officials today announced the kickoff of Project ChildSafe Memphis, joining a national initiative designed to encourage responsible firearms ownership with an emphasis on secure gun storage. Several kickoff events throughout Memphis mark the start of a year-long, community-led effort encouraging gun owners to “Own it? Respect it. Secure it.”

“It is heartening to see just how many of our community leaders and organizations have united in support of this program to launch Tennessee’s first Project ChildSafe Community in Memphis,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “I look forward to taking on this challenge by working together as a community to practice and promote firearms safety.”

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 Memphis, the initiative will provide local law enforcement agencies with thousands of gun locks to distribute across the city.

“It’s a program that works, and the role it plays in keeping our kids safe is to be commended,” said D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. “I encourage our citizens to join me and responsible gun owners everywhere in taking the steps to properly and safely store their firearms when they aren’t in use.”

The initiative is partnering with several local organizations representing the education community, mental health and suicide prevention advocates and hunting and shooting groups to help share messages and information about responsible firearms storage.

“As we can all agree in the wake of recent news in our city, it’s time for all of us to come together to advance the very important community priority of practicing and promoting safe firearms storage,” said Michael Rallings, Memphis Police Director. “Through safety kits and educational resources, we can reach more members of our community, and have a larger impact in promoting smart habits that will help keep guns safely stored away from children, at-risk individuals and criminals.”

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 Memphis region.

– more –

“The National Shooting Sports Foundation and its Project ChildSafe Program are doing a lot right now to help put information and tools into the community at a time when we really need it,” said Tonia Howell with the Memphis Chapter of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “None of us want to see another accident happen in our community again.”

In addition to NSSF, BJA, the City of Memphis, the Memphis Police Department and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, other local stakeholders supporting the program include, 4-H Shooting Sports, Delta Waterfowl, Range USA, The Well Armed Woman, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shelby County District Attorney.

“Memphis represents the first Project ChildSafe community effort in Tennessee and, based on the tremendous local support we’ve seen already, it will serve as a model for similar firearm safety efforts across the state and around the nation,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti.

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.

###

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.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides opportunity to educate gun-owning community on importance of securely storing firearms to help prevent access by at-risk individuals

NEWTOWN, Conn.— In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness 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 of the critical role secure firearms storage plays in helping to prevent suicide.

For more than 50 years, NSSF has encouraged gun owners to safely handle and securely store firearms, and over the last few decades, it has provided valuable resources and free firearm safety kits, including cable-style gun locks through the Project ChildSafe program, to help prevent firearms accidents, thefts and misuse, including suicide.

“Given that almost two-thirds of firearms-related fatalities are suicides, the gun-owning community can play an important role in helping to prevent suicide by ensuring their guns are securely stored when not in use,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF’s President and CEO. “Having a gun securely stored puts space between the period of risk and the means to act, and sometimes that space can mean the difference between a life saved and a tragedy.”

Through a collaborative partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), announced earlier this year, NSSF has embarked on a national firearms and suicide prevention program, focused on educating the gun-owning community on warning signs, risk factors and how to keep firearms safely out of reach of those who may wish to do themselves harm.

“At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention we have set the bold goal of reducing the suicide rate 20 percent by the year 2025. With the help of the firearms owning community, we know this goal is achievable. I’m pleased NSSF is making suicide prevention a priority for its members. NSSF’s efforts are helping us save lives in communities across the nation,” said Robert Gebbia, AFSP CEO.

NSSF and Project ChildSafe remind firearms owners and their families to try and 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. If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-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 firearms 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 OK to talk directly with someone about whether they have 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. View the AFSP-NSSF Firearms and Suicide Prevention brochure.

###

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.

YUMA, Ariz. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Nicolle Griffin of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) as a “Local Champion” for her commitment to firearms safety and responsible storage in her community. Griffin founded the Yuma, Ariz., chapter of TWAW in 2013. Under her co-leadership, the chapter has become the largest in the state with more than 100 members. Griffin and her chapter leaders also serve as firearms safety instructors and have worked with more than 400 local firearms owners.

“As responsible gun owners, we need to keep our firearms accessible for protection while also ensuring they are safely secured, especially when children and guests are visiting our homes,” Griffin said. “We must also ensure our firearms are not accessible to criminals or people who are not trained in safe firearm handling.”

The Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign is an annual campaign that recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their communities by supporting responsible firearms ownership. The campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible firearms storage – particularly in the summer when children are home from school and more likely to be unattended – and is a reminder that proper firearms storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse.

“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. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“Project ChildSafe is an important program that provides educational resources for firearms owners,” Griffin said. “Project ChildSafe highlights the importance of responsible firearms ownership, including our obligation to help prevent guns from being accessible to children and other unauthorized individuals.”

“Nicolle Griffin has shown a deep commitment to Project ChildSafe and our mission to help prevent firearms accidents by encouraging safe firearms storage,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “She demonstrates how the firearms-owning community is committed to firearms safety, and her work plays a vital role in helping reduce firearms accidents.”

###

About NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program
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 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

NEWTOWN, Conn. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Project ChildSafe program has recognized 11 people and organizations across the country as “local champions” for their work to promote firearms safety in their communities.

The recognitions come as Project ChildSafe concludes its fifth annual “S.A.F.E. Summer” campaign, focused on emphasizing the importance of storing firearms responsibly when not in use, especially during the summer months when children are home from school and more likely to be unsupervised.

“Storing firearms responsibly is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “S.A.F.E. Summer allows us to recognize local leaders who are helping spread this message and making their communities safer. Each of them is a great example of how the firearms-owning community is committed to safety and responsibility.”

“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. This year, Project ChildSafe recognized eleven champions across the nation:

• Suzi Rouse, DIVA Women Outdoors Worldwide, President Oklahoma City Gun Club, Oklahoma City
• Kanda Keepers, The Well Armed Woman, Oklahoma City
• John Westerfield, Yeager’s Sporting Goods, Bellingham, Wash.
• Eddie Rimanelli, Brazen Sports, Detroit
• Barbara Baird, Women’s Outdoor News, St. Louis
• Robert Hurst, Delta Waterfowl, St. Louis
• Bukhari Abdel-Alim, Taasar Group, Richmond, Va.
• Rich Knight, 4-H Shooting Sports Club, Carson City, Nev.
• Maj Toure, Black Guns Matter, Philadelphia
• Mike Rainwater, Lincoln Parish Sherriff Department, Ruston, La.
• Nicolle Griffin, The Well Armed Woman, Yuma, Ariz.

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

###

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.

RUSTON, La. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Mike Rainwater, a Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy in Ruston, La., as a “Local Champion” for his commitment to firearms safety and responsible storage in his community. Rainwater has taught firearms safety for more than 25 years, including 20 years as the lead instructor for Louisiana’s Hunter Education Safety program at the sheriff’s office.

“Habitual and responsible firearms storage is paramount to ensuring safety in the home,” Rainwater said. “I teach the children in my classes that if they find a firearm unattended, they should not touch it and alert an adult.”

The Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign is an annual campaign that recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their communities by supporting responsible firearms ownership. The campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible firearms storage – particularly in the summer when children are home from school and more likely to be unattended – and is a reminder that proper firearms storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse.

“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. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“I find Project ChildSafe to be an invaluable program, because safety of firearms in the home is paramount,” Rainwater said. “I believe in keeping firearms locked up when not in use and support any effort to facilitate that critical step in firearms safety.”

“Mike Rainwater has shown a deep commitment to Project ChildSafe and our mission to prevent firearms accidents by encouraging safe firearms storage,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “He demonstrates a strong dedication to firearms safety, and his work plays a vital role in helping reduce firearms accidents.”

###

About NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program
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 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

PHILADELPHIA – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Maj Toure, the founder of Back Guns Matter, as a “Local Champion” for his efforts to promote firearms safety in his region. Black Guns Matter is an organization focused on educating urban communities about firearms responsibility through education and training.

“Safe storage is important, and we can find a solution for everyone whether is a biometric safe, a trigger lock or a cable-style gun lock” Toure said. “We can assess the dynamics of someone’s home and figure out the best option for everyone—we always find a good middle ground between safety and accessibility.”

The Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign is an annual campaign that recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their communities by supporting responsible firearms ownership. The campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible firearms storage – particularly in the summer when children are home from school and more likely to be unattended – and is a reminder that proper firearms storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse.

“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. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“We support Project ChildSafe, because negligence of firearms safety affects children and families too often,” Toure said. “The lack of training, ignorance and carelessness are all preventable, and NSSF’s Project ChildSafe is doing tremendous work to make that point to a wide audience.”

“We’re very grateful for Maj Toure’s efforts to raise awareness of safe firearms storage,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “He demonstrates how the firearms-owning community is committed to firearms safety, and his work plays a vital role in helping reduce firearms accidents.”

###

About NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program
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 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

RICHMOND, VA. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Bukhari Abdel-Alim, founder of TAASAR Group, as a “Local Champion” for his efforts to promote firearms safety in his region. TAASAR Group is a not-for-profit youth development organization focused on outdoor activities including shooting sports. Abdel-Alim also organizes gun safety and awareness seminars for youth and parents to educate them about the importance of responsible storage of firearms in the home.

“As a father of two, I see no greater cause than keeping our children safe,” Abdel-Alim said. “And providing free gun locks through Project ChildSafe to firearms owners allows people to safely store their firearms and begin to change habits immediately.”

The Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign is an annual campaign that recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their communities by supporting responsible firearms ownership. The campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible firearms storage – particularly in the summer when children are home from school and more likely to be unattended – and is a reminder that proper firearms storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse.

“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. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“By understanding and implementing firearms safety every time a firearm is present, we are ensuring that the people we love and care about are not put in harm’s way through actions that are unsafeand avoidable,” Abdel-Alim said.

“We’re very grateful for Bukhari Abdel-Alim’s efforts to raise awareness of safe firearms storage,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “He demonstrates how the firearms-owning community is committed to firearms safety, and his work plays a vital role in helping reduce firearms accidents.”

###

About NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program
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 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

CARSON CITY, NEV. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Rich Knight of 4-H Shooting Sports Club as a “Local Champion” for his efforts to promote firearms safety in his region. Knight volunteers with the local 4-H shooting sports club and the Maison T Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp, both dedicated to teaching youth outdoors and firearms safety skills.

“Proper gun handling and storage is not what you see on TV, and it is a part of my mission to inform gun owners of the proper practices to ensure safety,” Knight said. “As an instructor, I teach safety as the top priority and include family participation in shooting and safety, so the whole family knows the rules of safe handling and storage.”

The Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign is an annual campaign that recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their communities by supporting responsible firearms ownership. The campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible firearms storage – particularly in the summer when children are home from school and more likely to be unattended – and is a reminder that proper firearms storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse.

“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. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“I support any firearms industry program that promotes safety and better understanding of firearms, especially Project ChildSafe,” Knight said. “The program helps educate people about firearms safety and storage, enabling us to protect our children and communities. Firearms owners, instructors and programs like Project ChildSafe are the best resources to promote firearms safety and responsibility.”

“We’re very grateful for Rich Knight’s efforts to raise awareness of safe firearms storage,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “He demonstrates how the firearms-owning community is committed to firearms safety, and his work plays a vital role in helping reduce firearms accidents.”

###

About NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program
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 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

ST. LOUIS – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Barbara Baird, a publisher for Women’s Outdoor News, as a “Local Champion” for her efforts to promote firearms safety in her region. Baird is also the leader of The Well Armed Woman, Top of the Ozarks Chapter, a certified National Rifle Association pistol instructor and continuing student of personal defense shooting skills.

“Safe storage of firearms is an integral part of gun ownership,” Baird said. “It is essential to keep firearms secured, so they don’t end up in the wrong hands—children, criminals and other unauthorized persons.”

The Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign is an annual campaign that recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their communities by supporting responsible firearms ownership. The campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible firearms storage – particularly in the summer when children are home from school and more likely to be unattended – and is a reminder that proper firearms storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse.

“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. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“Project ChildSafe has done a tremendous job growing its grassroots support and getting boots on the ground in areas where it needs to be,” Baird said. “I look forward to seeing the growth continue as more people become aware of this program and the important role it plays in raising awareness of firearms safety.”

“We’re very grateful for Barbara Baird’s efforts to raise awareness of safe firearms storage,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “She demonstrates how the firearms-owning community is committed to firearms safety, and her work plays a vital role in helping reduce firearms accidents.”

###

About NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program
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 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

ST. LOUIS – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Robert Hurst of Delta Waterfowl as a “Local Champion” for his efforts to promote firearms safety in his region. Delta Waterfowl is a duck hunter’s organization centered around conservation and preserving the waterfowl hunting tradition.

“Safe storage of firearms is a direct responsibility of the owner,” Hurst said. “There are simple ways to secure your firearms, when not in use, by applying a trigger lock or cable-style lock on your firearms or by securing them in a gun safe or gun cabinet.”

The Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign is an annual campaign that recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their communities by supporting responsible firearms ownership. The campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible firearms storage – particularly in the summer when children are home from school and more likely to be unattended – and is a reminder that proper firearms storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse.

“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. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“Project ChildSafe promotes responsible firearms ownership to ensure the safety of our children and the community,” Hurst said. “If you ‘own it, protect it, and secure it,’ you are showing the community that gun owners are responsible and committed to safety and keeping guns away from those who shouldn’t have them.”

“Robert Hurst has shown a deep commitment to Project ChildSafe and our mission to prevent firearms accidents by encouraging safe firearms storage,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “He demonstrates how the firearms-owning community is committed to firearms safety, and his work plays a vital role in helping reduce firearms accidents.”

###

About NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program
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 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.