Kane County Health Department

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​Prevent Accidents and Suicides

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.​

Obtain a Free Gun Lock

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

Algonquin

  • Algonquin Area Public Library

Aurora

  • African American Men of Unity - ​To schedule a pickup, email ricky1rodgers@aamou.org or call 630-606-1910. 
  • Aurora Police Department
  • Aurora Public Library, Eola Road, Santori and West Branches
  • Aurora University
  • Chicano Times - ​To schedule delivery or pick up, email chicano.times1@gmail.com.
  • Kane County Health Department, 1240 N. Highland Avenue, 8:30am - 4:30pm in our lobby
  • The START Program - To schedule a pickup, email info@STARTprograms.org or call 312-838-5200.

Big Rock

  • Big Rock Public Library

East Dundee

  • Fox River Valley Library

Maple Park

  • Maple Park Public Library District

Montgomery

  • Montgomery Police Department

Pingree Grove

  • Pingree Grove Police Department

St. Charles

  • St. Charles Public Library​

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 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are part of the "Together for a Safer Illinois" program. 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.​


Firearm Restraining Order

A Firearm Restraining Order (FRO) gives a person in crisis time to heal. If you're concerned about the behavior of a loved one with a firearm, you can help. In Illinois, a FRO temporarily prevents a person who may be a danger to themselves or others from having a firearm. Learn more at: illinois.gov/PauseToHeal


Resources

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