June 5, 2024

NSSF Leads On Firearm Safety During Gun Storage Check Week

By Joe Bartozzi

As Gun Storage Check Week^TM takes place, it’s time we discuss the importance of responsible firearm storage. Securely storing firearms when not in use is essential and has life-saving results. This first inaugural observance, from June 1 through 7, is a reminder to every gun owner to evaluate your firearm storage practices.

Joe Bartozzi Firearms are not only used for tools of self-protection by American civilians and our men and women in law enforcement, but also for recreation, fostering a sense of community among generations of hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts. All these different types of Americans, however, rightfully acknowledge the danger these tools can pose in the wrong hands. That is why safe, secure storage of firearms is so essential and the duty of every gun owner.

Properly storing firearms is akin to locking up jewelry in a safe in that one never expects a burglary, but it is better to be safe than sorry. There is, of course, one crucial difference. Consider the theft of unsecured jewelry versus an unsecured firearm: if a burglar steals an expensive watch, they will likely pawn it for money, and that’s usually the unfortunate end of it. However, should a criminal steal your unsecured firearm from a home or vehicle, that firearm is likely to be used in a secondary, and potentially deadly, crime.

What’s more, unsecured firearms at home can lead to potentially tragic outcomes. As such, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe® and Make Sure It’s Secure™ campaigns promote safe firearm storage across the country, distributing free cable gun locks and informative resources to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of anyone besides their rightful owner, such as children or home guests.

Just as families lock under-the-sink cabinets to prevent children from accessing chemicals such as cleaning products, it’s critical to lock away firearms when not in use to prevent unauthorized access. Lockable gun cases, lock boxes and full-size gun cabinets and safes are other good firearm storage options.

NSSF’s commitment to secure storage extends outside the home as well. Every year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reports thousands of firearms as stolen, not including thefts from residences or cars. NSSF works with the ATF on Operation Secure Store® to stem the tide of the effects of criminality by assisting federally licensed firearm retailers with solutions and services to enhance operational security and aid in identifying potential risks. There’s a reason gun shops store their firearms under lock and key, and gun owners should too.

As responsible citizens and firearm owners, it’s incumbent upon us to prioritize safety inside and outside of our homes. Securely storing firearms isn’t merely a matter of compliance or convenience. It’s a moral imperative with far-reaching implications.

The consequences of lax storage practices are too severe to ignore, and the lives that proper storage protocols can save are immeasurable. By recognizing Gun Storage Check Week^TM, we can all commit to responsible firearm storage practices. Let’s uphold this commitment for a safer, more secure environment for all.

About the Author

Joe Bartozzi is the President and CEO of NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association.

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