Are you storing your firearms safely? The recent manslaughter convictions of two Michigan parents whose son killed four of his classmates with a firearm have many firearms owners thinking differently about their personal responsibility to keep kids and others safe from gun violence. As personal liability comes increasingly to the forefront, having a robust firearm storage practice is paramount. Now is the time for owners to reassess their own firearm storage practices and take the necessary steps to safely secure their firearms when not in use.
Responsible gun owners secure their firearms using locked gun safes, lock boxes, or trigger locks, always when firearms are not in use. Safe gun storage is a prerequisite to reducing deadly suicide attempts and preventing mass shootings. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the majority of firearm deaths in Pennsylvania are suicides — approximately 900 per year. The highest rate of those deaths is in rural counties. Adams County suffered nine gun suicides in 2023, out of fourteen total suicides. Suicides are three times more likely in homes where there is easy access to guns. Evidence supports measures that create time and distance between firearms and individuals in crisis.
Pennsylvania averages a mass shooting every 10 days and these deadly occurrences are only expected to increase as the number of firearms owned by civilians continues to proliferate. Surveys estimate that there are over 398 million civilian-owned firearms in the U.S. As of 2022 Pennsylvania law enforcement officials reported 400,000 licenses to carry firearms in the Commonwealth. Adams County reported 13,386 firearms purchased or transferred in 2022.
Anyone who has suffered direct or indirect harm from gun violence knows the lifelong trauma it leaves. Mass shootings with high-powered military-style weapons can cause unbelievable and extensive harm to the human body with disabilities for survivors lasting a lifetime. Preventing mass shootings by keeping firearms away from children and unauthorized individuals will save lives and protect families, children, and the public. Other measures such as universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders are proven methods to prevent mass shootings.
In addition to safe storage measures—-
Gun owners can serve as role models, practicing gun safety at all times and teaching children about
responsible firearms ownership, and the serious harm that can result from the misuse of a firearm.
Gun dealers can offer incentives to gun purchasers who also purchase a gun safe or lock box; gun
dealers can offer free cable gun locks, as does Redding’s Hardware in Gettysburg.
Parents can talk to their children about guns and gun safety; local governments can make the threat of
gun violence a public health priority and allocate taxpayer dollars to enhance gun safety awareness and
safe gun practices.
Concerned citizens can advocate for stronger gun safety laws and demand accountability of our public
officials to keep us safe and secure.
Gettysburg for Gun Sense is a grassroots organization dedicated to preventing gun violence through education and gun regulation consistent with the rights of responsible gun owners. For information contact Gettysburg for Gun Sense at gettysburg4gunsense@gmail.com.
Everyone is invited to attend a Mental Wellness Day at the Adams County Farmers Market on May 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn more about mental health.
Source: Louis Starkey. Lois is a retired government affairs professional, bookstore owner, and realtor, who has lived in Adams County for over 30 years.