Secure Storage of Firearms and Ammunition

Content Warning: This page contains references to self-harm and suicide.

According to a study, households that locked both firearms and ammunition were 78% less likely to experience self-inflicted firearm injuries and had an 85% lower risk of accidental firearm injuries among children, compared to households that did not lock either (Grossman et al., 2005).

Storing firearms safely is important to keep everyone safe, especially children. When firearms are not stored properly, accidents can happen, like a child finding a gun and getting hurt, or someone stealing it and using it for a crime.

To prevent accidents, firearms should be kept unloaded, locked up, and away from ammunition. There are many easy-to-use options, like lockboxes or safes, that can stop children or others from accessing them.

By storing firearms safely, we can help prevent accidents and keep our homes and communities safer.

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If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

What are secure ways to store firearm(s) and ammunition?

Secure firearm storage involves using methods that make it difficult for unauthorized users, especially children, to access the weapon.

Keep ammunition stored separately and securely from firearms that are not in use. This can help avoid unauthorized access to loaded firearms. For more detailed information on secure storage options, visit these resources:

Preventing Firearm Injury and Death | Firearm Injury and Death Prevention, CDC – Discover strategies and resources to prevent firearm injuries and suicides through safe storage, community interventions, and comprehensive approaches for safer, healthier communities.
Safe Storage Fact Sheet (ojp.gov) – This fact sheet offers valuable insights into the risks of unsecured firearms, practical storage solutions, and additional resources for young people, families, and schools to ensure a safer environment for everyone.
Teens and Firearm Safety flyer (DOH, Healthy Youth Survey) – This printable flyer provides information on firearm safety for teens, decreasing ease of access to handguns among Washington youth, and practical tips for parents on discussing firearm safety and secure storage practices.

What are my resources?

There are several resources available to help you learn about firearm safety and secure storage.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call. Text. Chat. (988lifeline.org) – 988 offers free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as crisis resources and connections to local services.
Washington Firearm Safe Storage Map, UWashington – This interactive map helps identify local options for temporary, voluntary firearm storage to protect people in crisis.
Washington State Safe Storage Program – This site outlines the legal definitions of secure firearm storage under state law and offers practical guidance on implementing these safety measures. It also highlights various state-supported initiatives, including the distribution of gun locks and community education programs aimed at preventing unauthorized access to firearms.
Gun Safety, SeattleChildrens.org – This site provides information and resources on upcoming community events, free firearm storage giveaways, safety checklist, suicide prevention, counseling in healthcare settings, how organizations can plan and event, and more.

Where can I learn more?

About Firearm Injury and Death - Firearm Injury and Death Prevention, CDC – Explore a variety of CDC resources that include the latest research on firearm injuries and deaths, violence prevention strategies, and safe storage guidelines.
Fast Facts: Firearm Injury and Death - Firearm Injury and Death Prevention, CDC – Find key facts on firearm injuries and deaths in the U.S., the most affected groups, and the importance of prevention through community action.
Firearm Violence in America, HHS – This site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes sharable infographics, statistics, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, and more.
Safety and Security for Firearm Owners, ATF.gov – This printable brochure features information on firearm safety, handling, and storage, with an emphasis on children and people in crisis, as well as federal regulations.