The Durham County Gun Safety Team provides gunlocks free of charge.
Like many families around the country, North Carolinians are at home now more than ever, due to COVID-19. Keeping our loved ones safe and healthy during this unprecedented time is paramount. Ensuring that any firearms in the home are securely stored is one step that can make sheltering in place safer.
As many parents work from home, it is easy to become distracted when our attention is pulled in many directions. Knowing that your child cannot access any firearms is one less worry.
These uncertain times may be particularly difficult for teenagers and older adults who might be experiencing feelings of isolation and fear, resulting in depression and anxiety, putting them at increased risk for suicide.
Over 70% of firearm deaths in North Carolina occur in the home. Storing firearms safely at home is responsible and simple and just may save a life.
To safely store firearms, every gun in the home must be:
- Unloaded
- Locked. Gun safes/cabinets are the safest option, but if one is not available, trigger locks or cable locks are good alternatives
- Stored separately from locked up ammunition
The Durham County Gun Safety Team provides gunlocks free of charge.
If you need a lock please email drosser@dconc.gov or call 919-560-7765 and they will make arrangements for you to receive one.
If you live in another county in the Triangle, the Durham County Gun Safety Team will help you locate services in your county.
Other resources
Suicide Hotline
Hopeline NC 1-877-235-4525
Veterans and Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press “1” for veterans. Chat is available at VeteransCrisisLine.net or you can also send a text to 8383255.
Domestic Violence
North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCAD)
Visit https://nccadv.org/get-help to find your county’s domestic violence services
