News Archive

DETROIT – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Eddie Rimanelli, CEO of Brazen Sports, a Detroit-based watch company inspired by the passion of shooting sports enthusiasts, as a “Local Champion” for his efforts to promote firearms safety in his region.

“Proper firearms storage, such as storage in a gun safe or utilization of a gun lock, can be the best defense to the unwanted consequences of accidents,” Rimanelli said. “Simply stated by NSSF and Project ChildSafe: if we choose to own it, we should respect it and, therefore, it is critical to secure it when not under our direct control.”

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.

“The principles of gun safety curriculums and community-support programs, such as Project ChildSafe, truly make a difference,” Rimanelli said. “An informed community, collectively supporting responsible gun safety, can save lives.”

“We’re very grateful for Eddie Rimanelli’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.”

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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.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized John Westerfield as a “Local Champion” for his efforts to promote firearms safety in his region. Westerfield represented major hunting, fishing, and firearm companies for 30 years before taking over at Yeager’s Sporting Goods.

“We in the firearms industry should do everything in our power to encourage our customers to secure their firearms in ways and places that make it impossible for a criminal or child to get their hands on it,” Westerfield said.

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.

“NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program helps continue the downward trend of accidents involving firearms and children,” Westerfield said. “We are so convinced of it at Yeager’s that we now supply three healthcare clinics in our area with gun locks to hand out to families that visit them.”

“We’re very grateful for John Westerfield’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.”

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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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Suzi Rouse of DIVA Women Outdoors Worldwide (DIVA WOW) in Oklahoma City as a “Local Champion” for her efforts to promote firearms safety in her region. Since taking up shooting in 1996, Rouse has been an active advocate for responsible firearms ownership and safe firearms storage. She is the first female president of the Oklahoma City Gun Club, which was founded more than 60 years ago and now has about 2,300 members.

“Safety and education is the first step in responsible firearms ownership,” Rouse said. “Everyone who owns a gun should have a clear plan for safe gun storage. No matter if you live by yourself or have a family, your firearms must be safely secured when not in use, because keeping guns out of the wrong hands is your primary responsibility.”

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.

“The fact that Project ChildSafe provides safety devices for firearms at absolutely no cost to the public is a true testament to the firearms industry’s commitment to gun safety,” Rouse said. “I am proud to be a part of this initiative to educate and empower gun owners to uphold firearms safety and proper use by securing and preventing unauthorized access to firearms.”

“We’re very grateful for Suzi Rouse’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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Kanda Keepers of The Well Armed Woman, a resource for women gun owners that educates, equips, and empowers women interested in firearms in Oklahoma City, as a “Local Champion” for her commitment to firearms safety and responsible storage in her community.

“Safe and responsible storage of firearms is a fundamental rule of firearm safety,” Keepers said. “You should always ensure your firearms are safely stored whether people are in your home or when you’re gone.”

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.

“My goal is for each person introduced to Project ChildSafe to become an advocate for the principle of safe and responsible firearms storage,” Keepers said. “While one voice can be effective in a limited way, when we bring our voices together, we can make a major impact.”

“Kanda Keepers 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. “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.

School of Hunt provides youth and mentors a foundation for conservation, safety and knowledge

SALT LAKE CITY, May 9, 2017 – Outfitters Guide Television and Project ChildSafe, the firearms safety education program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), have partnered in support of Outfitters Guide’s School of Hunt program.

The School of Hunt provides a week-long experience that brings selected youth and their mentors together on a Utah private ranch with top professionals in the outdoor industry. Participants and mentors will receive in-depth training and experiences that will help them become better hunters and outdoor stewards.

An important part of the School of Hunt is centered on proper use of firearms and the responsibility that comes from firearms use and ownership.

“We are honored to have Project ChildSafe join us at the School of Hunt,” said founder Jeff Jensen. “Project ChildSafe provides us a wealth of information, resources and educational tools that will help participating youth and mentors be safe, educated and proactive advocates as they pursue and enjoy the shooting sports lifestyle.”

Through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and more than 3,500 organizational supporters throughout the United States, including OGTV, Project ChildSafe has helped educate firearms owners on the importance of gun safety, while distributing more than 37 million free firearms safety kits, which include a safety brochure and cable-style gun lock, to communities in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. For the School of Hunt program, Project ChildSafe will provide its safety kits and educational materials to the program participants.

“We’re very grateful for the work of organizations such as Outfitters Guide and School of Hunt,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “They are great examples of how the firearms-owning community is genuinely committed to safety and personal responsibility, and their work is instrumental in helping to reduce firearms accidents.”

Reflections Media Group is the parent media company for Outfitters Guide Television. Outfitters Guide provides dream outdoor adventures to selected participants for free. School of Hunt was started in 2015 to offer outdoor opportunities, education and experience to youth who do not have access to family or mentors who can teach and provide a gateway to the outdoor lifestyle and activities.

For more information, visit the School of Hunt and Project ChildSafe.

About Reflections Media Group

Reflections Media Group (RMG), a digital media production and network distribution company, focuses on telling the stories of people and brands who pursue the outdoor and shooting sport lifestyles. RMG is committed to supporting programs and foundations that foster opportunities to learn, experience and enjoy the many activities offered by the outdoor lifestyle. To learn more about how you can share your story, visit us at reflectionsmediagroup.com

About Project ChildSafe

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association of the firearms industry, 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. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

Organizations Work Together to Promote Firearm Safety through 2016 HUNT S.A.F.E. Program and Beyond

NEWTOWN, Conn., and TUCSON, Ariz. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) announced today that Safari Club International (SCI), the nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the protection of hunters’ rights, will join forces with NSSF’s Project ChildSafe to emphasize the importance of responsible firearm storage.

In addition to SCI, the two other branches of the organization have joined in the Project ChildSafe partnership, including Safari Club International Foundation, which supports worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor education, and Safari Club International Foundation Sables, which promotes understanding of the outdoor heritage, including the positive role of hunting, through the creation and support of wildlife and conservation educational programs.

As a first step, the organizations will work together to remind Americans to “Hunt S.A.F.E.” this hunting season. Project ChildSafe’s Hunt S.A.F.E. campaign urges hunters and all firearm owners to Secure your firearms when not in use; be Aware of those around you who are not authorized to have access to guns; Focus on your responsibility as a firearm owner; and Educate yourself and others about safe firearm handling and storage.

“NSSF and Project ChildSafe are pleased to partner with SCI, which has a long and successful history of educating hunters, and anyone with a keen interest in the outdoors, all over the world,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “SCI is well positioned to spread the Hunt S.A.F.E. message, which serves as a strong reminder that the hunt isn’t over until firearms are properly stored when not in use, thereby helping to prevent firearm accidents, theft and misuse.”

To support the program, SCI will distribute Project ChildSafe’s Hunt S.A.F.E. materials, including tips, videos, social media tools and other resources on safe firearm handling and storage, to its more than 55,000 members.

“Our steadfast commitment to serving hunters and providing education about the outdoors includes emphasizing the importance of firearm safety,” said Phil DeLone, CEO of Safari Club International. “There are several steps hunters, and anyone who owns a firearm, should take to make sure firearms are responsibly used and stored. We look forward to continuing to advance this message by providing Project ChildSafe resources to our members across the globe.”

Through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and more than 3,400 organizational supporters throughout the United States, including SCI, Project ChildSafe has helped educate firearm 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 five U.S. territories.

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About Project ChildSafe: NSSF, the trade association of the firearms industry, 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 helping to prevent accidents among children is a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help adults practice greater firearm safety in the home to help prevent unauthorized access. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

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 13,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.

About Safari Club International: Safari Club International is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit safariclub.org or call (202) 543-8733 for more information.

About Safari Club International Foundation: Safari Club International Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that funds and directs worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. Any contribution may be tax deductible under Internal Revenue Code section 170(c) as a charitable contribution to the extent permitted by law. The tax deductible amount of a gift is reduced by the “Fair market Value” of any goods, services, or advantages that a sponsor receives for the donation. EIN #86-0292099

About Safari Club International Foundation Sables: SCIF Sables is a membership organization within Safari Club International recognized as a leader in education and dedicated to continuing our outdoor and hunting heritage through education. All funds raised by SCIF Sables are dedicated to SCIF education programs.

Community-led effort focused on “Aiming for Zero” firearm accidents, works to prevent firearm thefts and misuse

OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), along with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, Oklahoma City leaders and law enforcement officials, today launched Project ChildSafe Communities in Oklahoma’s State Capitol, kicking off a national initiative designed to encourage responsible firearm ownership with an emphasis on secure firearm storage. The event marked the launch in Oklahoma City – the first event in the nation under the initiative – starting a year-long, community-led effort that is, among other goals, “Aiming for Zero” firearm accidents.

“Like many of my fellow Oklahomans, I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and of the right to own guns. Every member of my immediate family has a conceal carry permit. So I know the great responsibility that comes with owning a gun, and that includes responsible firearm safety” Governor Fallin said. “. I look forward to working together to practice and promote firearm safety throughout our state to protect our children from firearm accidents.”

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 firearm safety efforts on a national level by creating Project ChildSafe Communities in key cities around the country.

In Oklahoma City, the initiative will provide local law enforcement agencies with thousands of gun locks to distribute at public events and at their office locations, complemented by a library of educational resources and information.

“By making the safety kits and educational resources available, we will help promote responsible gun ownership to members of our community that will have a larger impact in facilitating smart habits that will help keep guns safely stored away from children, at-risk individuals and criminals,” said Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty.

The initiative is also partnering with several local organizations representing conservation groups, mental health and suicide prevention advocates, veterans, retailers and hunting and shooting groups to help share messages and information about responsible firearm 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 capital city region.

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“Oklahoma City represents the first Project ChildSafe community effort under the new initiative and, based on the tremendous local support we’ve seen already, it will serve as a model for similar firearm safety efforts 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 firearm 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.

In addition to Governor Fallin, and the Oklahoma City Police Department, local stakeholders who attended the Project ChildSafe Communities launch event included Mayor Mick Cornett, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma Mark Yancey, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma City Fire Department, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, the Oklahoma Veterans Council, Honoring American Warriors, the Oklahoma City Gun Club, Hall-N-Hall Consulting and local chapter leaders of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Wild Turkey Federation, Delta Waterfowl and The Well-Armed Woman, Cabela’s and 4-H Shooting Sports.

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.

ECSO Sheriff Timothy B. Howard highlights agency’s commitment to educating community residents about secure firearm storage

NEWTOWN, Conn.— Project ChildSafe, the nationwide firearm safety education program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and the Erie County Sheriff’s office today released a new video emphasizing the importance of securely storing firearms when not in use to help prevent accidents, thefts and misuse.

The video features Sheriff Timothy B. Howard, a longtime partner and supporter of Project ChildSafe, and highlights the agency’s commitment to promoting firearm safety in the Buffalo community—including its work to distribute free firearm safety kits that include a gun lock to local residents.

“Project ChildSafe’s law enforcement partners are the backbone of this important program,” said Steve Sanetti, President and CEO of NSSF. “This new video illustrates one of the key ways we work with local communities to help promote safe firearm handling and storage. As respected messengers in their community, law enforcement plays a significant role in helping educate residents and making sure they have the means to practice firearm safety.”

Since it was launched in 1999, Project ChildSafe has partnered with 15,000 law enforcement agencies in all 50 states and five U.S. territories to distribute more than 37 million free firearm safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock. Every day, Project ChildSafe receives up to 10 new requests for firearm safety kits from law enforcement agencies across the country.

“The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with Project ChildSafe to spread the message that firearm accidents are preventable through safe firearm storage,” Sheriff Howard said. “When firearms are stored responsibly in the home, our communities are safer. By working side by side, law enforcement organizations and Project ChildSafe are able to reach many more gun owners with this important message. The work we’re doing together is crucial to educate firearm owners, assist in preventing accidents, and help keep guns from ending up in the hands of those who should not have access to firearms.”

To get involved with Project ChildSafe or access its host of educational materials and safety tips, please visit ProjectChildSafe.org.

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About Project ChildSafe: NSSF, the trade association of the firearms industry, 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 helping to prevent accidents among children is a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help adults practice greater firearm safety in the home to help prevent unauthorized access. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.

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 13,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.

Erie County Sheriff’s Office: The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has been servicing the residents of Erie County, New York since 1821. Sheriff Timothy B. Howard and the men and women of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office provide quality public safety by promoting a safe environment through police and citizen interaction with and emphasis on integrity, fairness and professionalism.

NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Names St. Louis’ Heather Heil

“S.A.F.E. Summer Local Champion” in Firearm Safety

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Heather Heil, Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator for Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, as a “Local Champion” for her efforts to promote firearm safety in her region. The recognition comes as NSSF launches its fourth annual Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign to emphasize the importance of responsible firearm storage – particularly while children are home from school and more likely to be unattended.

Heil was selected for her efforts to educate her community about gun violence and safety, to partner with local agencies, and to distribute gun locks throughout the area.

“One of my closest cousins was killed accidentally with a gun long before I realized what guns were. This issue is close to my heart and I know we can save lives if we continue to educate the community on injury prevention,” says Heil. “Gunshot injuries can be prevented. People need to know the risks and dangers of leaving guns unlocked when they’re not in use. There has been a rise in accidental shootings in our area and all of those could have been prevented.”

S.A.F.E. Summer is an extension of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe campaign. Consistent with Project ChildSafe’s overarching message of “Own It? Respect It. Secure It,” the S.A.F.E. Summer effort is a reminder that proper firearm storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearm accidents, theft and misuse.

S.A.F.E. serves as an acronym for Store your firearms responsibly when not in use; Always practice firearm safety; Focus on your responsibilities as a firearm 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 the same goals and visions as I do,” Heil says. “The program ensures individuals are educated and provided with materials on gun safety. Project ChildSafe is also impressive in its efforts to support local police and issue gun locks at no cost.”

“We’re very grateful for the work of people like Heather Heil,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “They are great examples of how the firearms-owning community is committed to safety and personal responsibility, and their work is instrumental in helping reduce firearm accidents.”

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—which include a free gun lock—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.

NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Names Jennifer Kross “S.A.F.E. Summer Local Champion” in Firearm Safety

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Bismarck’s Jennifer Kross, Communications Specialist for Ducks Unlimited, as “Local Champion” for her efforts to promote firearm safety in her region. The recognition comes as NSSF launches its fourth annual Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign to emphasize the importance of responsible firearm storage – particularly while children are home from school and more likely to be unattended.

Kross was selected for her efforts to teach children the proper respect and safety information about firearms through community workshops, reinforcing that guns are not to be shown off or used without adults present.

“Firearms are not something to be played with; many kids don’t understand how powerful they are,” Kross says. “I want to keep kids safe around guns; I want to help them see there is a proper way to use guns and that they are a responsibility not to be taken lightly.”

S.A.F.E. Summer is an extension of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe campaign. Consistent with Project ChildSafe’s overarching message of “Own It? Respect It. Secure It,” the S.A.F.E. Summer effort is a reminder that proper firearm storage is the number one way to help prevent firearm accidents, theft and misuse.

“S.A.F.E.” serves as an acronym for Store your firearms responsibly when not in use; Always practice firearm safety; Focus on your responsibilities as a firearm 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.

“Adults who own guns and have children in the house have a responsibility to protect those children by sensibly storing their guns. Guns need to be locked and out of reach of kids when they aren’t in use. Adults need to also teach the kids in their lives about being safe around guns, that they are not toys,” says Kross. “I support Project ChildSafe because it has a goal to help adults talk to their kids about guns and teach them safe handling practices.”

“We’re very grateful for the work of people like Jennifer Kross and organizations like Ducks Unlimited,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “They are great examples of how the firearms-owning community is committed to safety and personal responsibility, and their work is instrumental in helping reduce firearm accidents.”

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—which include a free gun lock—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.