Protecting Kids with Safe Firearm Storage

The safest way to store firearms is unloaded, locked and out of reach of children. To keep kids and teens safe around firearms, always:

• Unload your firearm. Firearms should always be unloaded before being safely stored.
• Keep it separate. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately from one another, and both should be locked in a storage device.
• Secure keys and codes. Keep locking device keys or codes in a safe place where children and teens can’t access them. Avoid storing them with your car keys, which are often available to teens.
• Ask about firearms. Before your child goes to someone else’s home, find out if there are firearms there and how they are secured.

There are a variety of safe storage options for the home, including locks, lockboxes, safes and devices that prevent the gun from being fired. Each has unique characteristics. You can choose the locking device that works best for you based on the types of firearms you own.

Cable lock

A cable lock is an armored steel cable that runs through both the firearm’s magazine and the action, ensuring the firearm cannot be loaded or fired. Cable locks are typically secured with a key. This is often the least expensive type of firearm storage. Some safety organizations, like police departments, may even provide them for free.

Trigger lock

When in place, a trigger lock stops the trigger from being pulled, which prevents a firearm from being fired. They’re typically secured by a lock and key or a combination. Trigger locks are easy to install and are an inexpensive storage solution. Keep in mind that trigger locks do not prevent a gun from being loaded. Never use a trigger lock on a loaded firearm, as this can lead to accidental injury or firing. It’s also important to know that trigger locks cannot be used on lever-action firearms. If that’s the type of firearm you own, then you’ll need to explore other safe storage options.

Lockbox

A lockbox is a small storage device that secures your firearm and helps keep it out of sight. There are a variety of options with different locking mechanisms, including a combination, lock and key, keypad or a fingerprint scan. Lockboxes are portable and can provide quick access, depending on the locking mechanism. Fingerprint technology can allow you instant access while still preventing kids and teens from opening the device.

Firearm safe

A firearm safe is the most secure way to store your firearm. Depending on the option you choose, it may lock with a combination, key, keypad or fingerprint scan. Safes come in different sizes to suit your needs. They can hold more than one firearm, including larger firearms like hunting rifles. Due to their size and weight, firearm safes are very difficult to steal or tamper with.

The number of firearm thefts has risen drastically in recent years, with the vast majority being stolen from cars. That's one of the reasons safe firearm storage is just as important in your car as it is at home.

It isn’t enough to simply lock your car doors or hide your firearm in the center console or glove box, where they can be easily accessed. To safely secure your firearm in your vehicle, you should always:

• Unload your firearm. Just like at home, it’s important to unload your firearm before storing it in your car or truck.
• Lock it up. Use a secure locking device, such as a lockbox or vehicle safe. Whenever possible, secure the lockbox to the vehicle.
• Keep firearms out of sight. Never leave firearms in an area of your car that is visible or accessible to children.
• Limit your time away. If your firearm is in your vehicle, reduce the risk of theft by limiting the amount of time you’re away from your car.
• Remove your firearm from your car. When you arrive home, remove the firearm from your car and store it in your secure at-home storage device.

There are a variety of vehicle firearm storage options, each with unique features. Our experts share how each one works so you can decide which safe storage option is right for you.

Firearm lockbox for your car

Just like at home, you can store your firearm in a lockbox in your car. This safe storage option is portable and allows for quick access. Keep in mind that, due to its small size, a lockbox can easily be stolen from your car. To prevent theft and unintentional injury, secure the lockbox to the vehicle. As always, store your lockbox in a location that is out of sight and not accessible to children.

Console storage

These storage devices are custom-fitted to the make and model of your car, so they secure perfectly within your center console. Depending on the type, console boxes may lock with a key, keypad or biometric fingerprint technology. Console storage options are easy to access and deter theft, since they are out of sight and installed within the car itself.

Car firearm safe

The best option for storing larger or multiple firearms in a vehicle is a car firearm safe. These storage options use a variety of lock types, including fingerprint scanners for ease of access. They secure firearms out of reach and out of sight and are available for a wide range of vehicle sizes.

Remember, your car keys are easy to access and often made available to teens who are driving. Ensure their safety by storing locking device keys separately and away from your car keys, where children cannot access them.

Can I leave a firearm in my car overnight?

The risk of theft increases the longer you leave a firearm in a car. Try to limit the amount of time you’re away from your firearm as much as possible. If you can’t limit your time, consider parking in a supervised lot, and always use a vehicle firearm storage device to secure your firearm.

What if I need to access my gun quickly and it’s locked in a safe?

Some safe storage options allow for quick access, like ones that use biometric fingerprint technology. Fingerprint scanners allow you to open your storage device quickly but prevent kids and teens from unlocking them, since they are unique to you.

Should I use more than one type of locking device to store my firearm?

For an added measure of safety, you may want to use more than one device to secure firearms in your home or car. For example, you could put a cable lock or trigger lock on a firearm that you store in a safe.

Call or text 988 if you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm, thoughts of harming others, or any mental health crisis. You can also chat or text for support by downloading the MyGCAL app in the App Store. Any thoughts of suicide or homicide should be taken seriously.