Gun locks available
Staff reporter
It can happen quickly. A child finds a gun hidden in a closet, and somehow the gun is discharged — killing or injuring the child or someone nearby.
Newspaper headlines scream the tragedies — "Toddler shot to death," "Six-year-old shot by seven-year-old cousin," "Boy, 11, charged in accidental shooting." It goes on and on.
Accidental shootings can happen anytime and anywhere there is a loaded gun. One of the best and easiest ways to prevent these needless tragedies is to obtain free gun locks from local law enforcement.
In 2004, Project ChildSafe provided more than 200,000 free gun locks to Kansas law enforcement. A representative from the organization distributed an additional 900 locks Aug. 16, to the sheriff's and police departments within the county.
Law enforcement supports program
Four hundred locks were distributed to Marion County Sheriff's Office both this year and last year, and 200 hundred have been distributed.
County sheriff Lee Becker said locks are necessary for anyone with a gun.
"Children are fascinated with guns," Becker said. "The first thing children ask me when I do presentations at schools is if they can see my gun."
Owning a gun is an enormous responsibility.
"You can't stop the path of a bullet," said Becker. The fact that the locks are free makes them available for all residents.
"Even if your children are taught not to play with guns, there could be someone who comes into the home who doesn't," said Becker.
Locks are available to those 18 years of age and older at the sheriff's office.
Florence police chief Erik King said he appreciated receiving the locks and plans to promote the program.
"We'll have a booth during the Labor Day celebration," King said.
Locks also are available at Florence City Hall, 511 Main.
The Florence department received 200 last year, 100 for this year, and have distributed 120.
Dan Kinning, police chief of the City of Hillsboro, said all guns should be locked up.
"The locks assist in general public safety, especially for children," Kinning said. His department received 300 last year, 100 for this year, and have distributed 100 thus far.
The Marion Police Department received 200 last year, and 200 this year.
"There's been an interest in the locks," said Lt. Dean Keyes. "When utilized properly, the locks can save lives."
So far, the department has distributed more than 100 locks to residents.
Peabody Police Chief Jeff Pohlman said he received 200 locks last year and still have 175 available.
"Kids get curious and want to play with guns. It's good a way to keep them safe and from making a mistake," said Pohlman.
The locks are available at the City of Peabody offices at 300 N. Walnut, Peabody.
The project was funded by a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for distribution from Sept. 1, 2004, through Aug. 31, 2005.
Twenty million firearm safety kits were distributed in 2004 to all 50 states. More than 12 million will be distributed in 2005.
The locks are distributed by members of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Statistics
According to the Children's Defense Fund and National Center for Health Statistics, in a single year there were 3,012 children and teens killed by gunfire in the U.S.
That is one child every three hours, eight children every day, and more than 50 children every week.
At least four to five times as many children and teens suffer from non-fatal firearm injuries. Not all of these were accidental, but someone had access to a unlocked firearm to commit these acts.
Between 1979 and 2001, gunfire has killed 90,000 children and teens in the U.S. In one year, more children and teens die from gunfire than from cancer, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, and HIV/AIDS combined.
The rate of firearm deaths among children under the age of 15 is almost 12 times higher in the U.S. than in 25 other industrialized countries combined.
Most Americans own at least one firearm — particularly in the Midwest where hunting is commonplace.
About the lock
There are two lengths of the cable-style gun lock that will work on any type of firearm.
It is simple to install and does not damage the firearm while in place.
To install the lock on an auto-loading pistol, lock back the slide and remove the magazine. Insert the cable through the ejection port and out the magazine well. For a revolver, open the cylinder and insert the cable through the barrel or through an empty cylinder chamber.
The locks also can be used for auto-loading and pump-action shotguns and bolt-action rifles. To lock, insert loose end of cable into padlock.
Keys should be stored in a safe place, away from the firearm storage area.
