COLUMBUS – Columbus city officials are handing out free gun locks in hopes of reducing the number of shooting incidents involving young children.
A recent study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital showed that 92% of the firearms used in accidental youth shootings were stored loaded and unlocked and that children ages 1-19 were the main victims of the trend, council members said in a press release Monday.
Columbus City Council, the Division of Police and Fire and Columbus Public Health have joined forces to distribute 5,000 free gun locks, aimed at deterring theft and decreasing the chances of children getting hold of a firearm, Emmanuel Remy, chair of the Public Safety Committee, said.
“With a gun lock or box, you can rest easy knowing that your gun is securely locked away, but easily accessible in case of an emergency,” he said. “Knowing your guns are properly secured will provide you peace of mind knowing that our children are safe at home.”
The gun locks, made from a braided steel cable with a keyed padlock, can be picked up at all Columbus fire stations between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.