Secure gun storage

Examples of secure gun storage

Hiding a gun or storing it out of a child's reach is not enough. Kids and teens are naturally curious, and they may find and handle unlocked guns without your knowledge. Think about the steps you’re taking to store your guns currently—and consider taking the next step to store your guns more securely.

Steps you can take to store your guns securely include:

• Using cable and trigger locks. A cable lock prevents a gun from being fired, while a trigger lock prevents the trigger from being pulled. If you’re securing your gun with a cable or trigger lock, it’s still important to store it in a secure place that children or those at risk of harming themselves or others can’t access.
• Storing the gun in a lock box or carrying case. These lightweight storage options are often used to secure a gun while transporting it from place to place, such as from home to a shooting range.
• Installing a gun safe or cabinet. Home gun safes and cabinets can be mounted anywhere in your home. To open them, you’ll use a key, combination, or biometric data—usually your fingerprint. They keep your guns secure while providing quick access.
• Unloading the gun. Remove all ammunition from the gun to prevent unintentional discharge. 
• Storing the ammunition in a separate location. Keeping guns stored away from ammunition can help prevent unauthorized access and use of guns, including for people in crisis. The additional few seconds it will take to access the ammunition and load the gun provide an interruption and a chance to reconsider or seek help.
• Storing guns off-site. Sometimes life circumstances change and people no longer feel comfortable storing guns at home. If you prefer to store your guns elsewhere for any reason, contact a secure gun storage facility in your area. Local shooting ranges, gun shops, and law enforcement facilities may offer off-site gun storage.

It's also important to note while any of the above secure gun storage methods can help decrease the chance of gun injuries, a cable lock may not be secure enough to stop a thief or teen. The best option is to use a gun safe or lock box. Safes using biometric technology, such as your fingerprint or other unique biological data, allow for quick and extra secure storage. 

Explore secure gun storage information from the End Family Fire program to find the right fit for your home:

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End Family Fire

Learn how storing guns in your home securely can prevent unintentional shootings, gun suicides, and some intentional shootings.

Consider seeking an Extreme Risk Protection Order. In some states, civil orders known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) can temporarily prevent a person at risk of harming themselves or others from possessing or purchasing guns. This resource outlines the specific laws in each state. 

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National ERPO Resource Center

Find out how an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) can temporarily prevent someone who may be a risk to themselves or others from buying or possessing a gun.