Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives Mission:

Make families safer by connecting Central Texans to education and resources for safe firearm storage in the city of Austin.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility

The Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives education and action campaign was conceived through a partnership between the Austin Public Health Office of Violence Prevention and Lock Arms for Life. Since 2021, the organizations have collaborated on a safety awareness program centered around the safe storage of firearms.

These agencies aren’t alone in their work to eliminate the harm caused by improperly stored firearms. By collaborating with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, and the Austin Police Department, the campaign consolidates messaging and expands reach in the region. However it reaches a gun owner, the campaign provides information and free resources to change hearts, minds, and behavior.

Shootings in Austin are increasing, resulting in death and injury, especially in low to moderate-income communities. And suicide is the second leading cause of death 15-24 years of age, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The risk of suicide and unintentional shootings among youth increases in homes where guns are loaded and unlocked. Estimates indicate that modest increases in the number of American homes safely storing firearms could prevent almost a third of youth gun deaths due to suicide and unintentional firearm injury.

Leesa Ross, director of Lock Arms for Life, lost her college-age son to a gun tragedy while he was away at school. His death was preventable had the gun been stored safely. Her dream was to bring together public health and public safety. She felt that combining partnerships made great sense. It would show the unity of common ground surrounding guns.

The Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives campaign is a groundbreaking project and the first of its kind to show public health and public safety working together. Since Austin is diverse, messaging is available in English and Spanish.

The participating Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives entities include the Office of Violence Prevention, the Department of Public Safety, the Austin Police Department, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.