Kane County Health Department

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Safe Firearm Storage

Responsible and secure gun storage can help to prevent suicides and accidents resulting from guns. Gun locks can help to keep a gun stored securely. Gun locks are intended to discourage unauthorized persons (such as children, guests, contractors, and uninvited people) from accessing the gun.​

Free Gun Barrel LocksGun lock.png

Gun owners can obtain gun barrel locks from the following locations:

  • African American Men of Unity - To schedule a pickup, email ricky1rodgers@aamou.org or call 630-606-1910
  • Family Services Association of Elgin, 1752 Capital St, Elgin
  • Kane County Health Department, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm in our lobby
    • ​​1240 N. Highland Avenue, Aurora
    • 2170 Point Blvd, Elgin

Gun retailers may obtain gun locks to make available at no charge to customers purchasing firearms, and organizations can help distribute gun locks by emailing: askus@kanecountyil.gov

The locks, provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, are part of the “Firearm Safe Storage Strategies” initiative. ​The initiative aims to prevent accidents, gun violence, theft, and suicide. Locks come with installation instructions and information about the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline​.​


Responsible and Secure Gun Storage Checklist

  • ​Ensure guns are unloaded before storing 
  • Store guns correctly locked in a lock box, gun safe, or with a trigger lock, or cable lock 
  • Store ammunition separately, safely, & securely
  • Secure keys for locking devices where unauthorized persons don't have access 
  • Store guns responsibly and securely at all times when not in use, even when transporting outside the home
  • Ensure unauthorized persons do not have access to stored guns no matter where the firearm is located at all times​​

​Read and follow the instructions that come with the gun lock on how to use the lock the right way. View a video of how gun locks work from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.​


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