Chicago, IL – As Gun Violence Awareness Month continues, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging firearm owners to practice safe storage and take steps to prevent accidental shootings, particularly involving children.
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the agency has partnered with local children’s hospitals since 2022 to distribute free gun locks and promote responsible firearm ownership throughout the Chicago region. Officials say the effort is designed to reduce accidental shootings, suicides and unauthorized access to firearms.
The campaign highlights statistics showing that firearms remain a leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. The sheriff’s office noted that millions of children live in homes where firearms are loaded or unsecured, increasing the risk of injury or death.
According to Sheriff Tom Dart, firearm owners have a responsibility to ensure guns are secured and inaccessible to children or other unauthorized individuals. Officials said hundreds of gun locks have already been distributed through partnerships with healthcare organizations across the area.
The sheriff’s office recommends storing firearms unloaded, locked and out of reach of children. Ammunition should be stored separately, and gun owners are encouraged to regularly verify that firearms remain secure when not in use.
The educational campaign also promotes safe handling practices, including treating every firearm as if it is loaded, keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction and maintaining control of weapons at all times.
Officials further encourage families to discuss firearm safety with children and to be aware of warning signs that may indicate someone is at risk of self-harm or violence.
The awareness initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce preventable firearm injuries and improve public safety throughout Cook County and the greater Chicago area.
