Firearm Safety

Why is it important?

From 2018 to 2021, firearms were responsible for 25% of all injury-related deaths in Washington State.

Source: CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death, 2018–2021.

Proper firearm storage saves lives. Each year, hundreds of accidental shootings and firearm-related tragedies occur in the home—many involving children or unauthorized users. By storing firearms safely and securely, you reduce the risk of accidents, theft, and misuse.

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Best practice for firearm storage

Store firearms unloaded and locked

Which is best for you (PCS_SafeStorage_20)

PCS_SafeStorage_20.pdf
  • Always unload firearms before storing.
  • Use a gun safe, lock box, or cable lock.
  • Keep firearms inaccessible to children, visitors, and unauthorized users.

Separate firearms and ammunition

  • Store ammunition in a separate, locked container.
  • Keep both firearms and ammo in cool, dry, and secure locations

Use trigger locks or cable locks

  • Inexpensive and widely available.
  • Add an extra layer of protection even within a locked container.

Install gun safes or lockboxes

  • Choose safes that are tamper-proof and bolted to the floor or wall.
  • For quick access (for defensive use), consider safes with biometric or keypad access.

Safety for homes with children

Children are naturally curious. Even if you've talked to them about firearm safety, it’s your responsibility to keep firearms secured at all times.

  • Never rely on hiding a gun as a safety measure.
  • Teach children that if they ever see a gun, they should not touch it and should tell an adult immediately.

‍In case of emergency

If someone is in immediate danger due to a firearm:

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • If you’re concerned about a loved one’s mental health or risk of harm contact the local crisis line at (509) 662-7105 or (800 )852-2923

Tips for parents

ASK the question: "If you have a firearm in your home, is it stored locked and unloaded?" Talk with family and friends about gun storage in the home. Before you send your child to someone's house, ask if firearms in the home are stored unloaded and locked. Ask if the ammunition is stored separately. Ask about shotguns and rifles too, not just handguns.

If you have doubts about the safety of someone else's home, invite the children to play at your home instead.

Tips to make asking easier

Many of us feel awkward asking other people how they handle firearm safety. Here are some tips to help:

  • Ask about firearms along with other things you discuss before your child goes to play at someone's home such as seatbelt use, allergies, and animals.
  • Present your concern with respect.

Finding the right words can be hard. Here's a start:

  • "I don't mean any disrespect, but knowing how curious my child can be, I feel I have to ask this question."
  • "I hope you don't mind me asking if you have a firearm in your home and if it is properly stored."
  • "Mom, Dad, ______, this is awkward for me and I mean no disrespect. I am concerned Susie will find one of the firearms in your home when we visit. Do you keep them locked up with the ammunition stored separately?"

Community Resources

Safe Firearm Storage Map - Washington State Safe Storage Map – Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program

Local Safe Storage Retailers:

  • Hooked on Toys
  • Costco Wholesale
  • Stans
  • Coastal Farm and Ranch

Online Safe Storage Retailers:

Provider Resources

How to talk to about Safe Firearm Storage

tips_for_safe_firearm_storage_counseling.pdf

Home Safety Checklist

English:

CE133 Safety Checklist for Home.pdf

Spanish:

CE133S Safety Checklist for Home - Spanish.pdf
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