Kane County Health Department

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Safe Firearm Storage


Secure firearm storage is a public health issue. ​​

Access to firearms can increase the risk of injury and death for firearm owners, other household members, and our community.​

  • Prevent unintentional shootings: Secure storage reduces the chance that a child or other unauthorized person will handle a firearm.
  • Reduce suicide risk: Keeping a firearm inaccessible during a crisis can create time and distance between a person and a highly lethal means.
  • Protect other household members: Children, visitors, and people who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms may otherwise gain access.
  • Prevent theft and misuse: Stolen firearms can enter illegal circulation.​

Free Gun Barrel LocksGun lock.png

Free gun barrel locks are available in the lobby of our Aurora and Elgin offices, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm:

  • ​​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

​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.​​

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​​


​Resources​

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