Baltimore, MD — A new guide developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions aims to aid lawmakers in drafting more effective firearm safe storage laws. Released by the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the “Safe Storage Model Policy Guide” presents a structured set of recommendations based on comprehensive public health research.
The guide comes at a critical time as varying versions of safe storage laws are currently on the books in twenty-six states and Washington, D.C. These laws mandate how firearms should be securely stored to prevent access by children and unauthorized users, significantly affecting public safety.
Authored by Tim Carey, JD, a law and policy advisor at the Center, the guide offers a detailed blueprint for creating impactful legislation. “This guide removes much of the uncertainty involved in drafting bills by focusing on the core principles of responsible gun ownership,” Carey stated.
The guide covers several crucial themes including the conditions under which firearms should be stored, methods of storage, liability concerns, public awareness strategies, and measures for data collection and accountability. Adopting a holistic approach is shown to be vital in preventing instances of firearm-related suicide, homicide, and accidental injuries.
Findings from a 2020 study highlight the effectiveness of stringent safe storage policies, associating them with a 12 percent decrease in firearm suicides among youths and a 13 percent reduction in unintentional firearm injuries and deaths within the same demographic. Researchers estimate that robust safe storage practices could prevent between six and 32 percent of all youth firearm deaths.
Despite these statistics, a 2016 nationwide survey indicated that over half of American gun owners confessed to not consistently securing all their firearms. Dr. Cass Crifasi, a co-director of the Center and co-author of the guide, emphasized the scope of this issue. “Too many gun owners neglect proper firearm storage,” Crifasi said. “Secure storage is a proven strategy to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of children or unauthorized individuals.”
The release of this guide underscores safe storage laws as an integral element within a broader public health strategy to combat gun violence. Such policies are not just legislative measures but life-saving interventions that can significantly protect communities across the nation.
As policymakers continue to seek effective methods to address gun violence, the Safe Storage Model Policy Guide provides a comprehensive resource that blends research insights with practical legislative guidance, aiming to foster safer environments throughout the country.
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