Gun Lock Giveaway Program
Gun ownership requires taking responsibility for the safe use of your weapons. Easy access to firearms can lead to impulsive use that may result in a lifetime of regret.

With firearms ownership and use comes the issue of how to store guns safely and securely. While there is no single set of guidelines for safe storage that fits every home or circumstance, and no security device guaranteed to be one hundred percent successful at all times, there are certain basic steps that every responsible gun owner should take to store their firearms safely. 

Before deciding on the approach most appropriate for your situation, take time to evaluate what you hope to accomplish with your particular storage and security approach. Is your main priority to thwart curious children, irresponsible adults, or intruders? While this is a personal decision, it is recommended that all gun owners store firearms unloaded and securely locked up whenever they are not in use.

Did You Know?
According to National Safe Kids:
"Few children under age 8 can reliably distinguish between real and toy guns or fully understand the consequences of their actions. Yet children as young as age 3 are strong enough to pull the trigger of many handguns."

MVPD, National Safe Kids, the Lucille Packard Foundation and Project ChildSafe offer free gun locks to help make homes safer for children and others. MVPD distributes gun locks at various community events, or you can obtain them at the police department.


Children are both curious and clever. Simply hiding your gun or telling your child to stay away is not adequate protection. MVPD recommends that all household guns be locked and stored in a gun safe. This provides two levels of security, two barriers to a dangerous gun accident. Gun safes can be purchased at a gun shop, for as little as $50.

• Talk to children about the potential dangers of guns.
• Teach children never to touch or play with a gun.
• Teach children to tell an adult or call 9-1-1 if they find a gun.
• Check with neighbors, friends or relatives in homes children visit to ensure they follow safe firearms storage practices.

• Any gun is a potential danger to children. Seriously consider the risks.
• Store firearms unloaded, locked up and out of children's reach.
• Store ammunition in a separate, locked location.
• Use quality gun locks, lock boxes or gun safes for every firearm. Gun locks, when correctly installed, prevent firearms from discharging.
• Keep gun storage keys and lock combinations hidden in a separate location.
• Take a course in using, maintaining and storing guns safely.