Safely Store Firearms:
Let’s Protect What Matters Most
Firearm injuries are now the leading cause of death among children and teens in Colorado and in the U.S. However, youth firearm injury deaths are preventable. Firearms that cause unintentional injury are often stored both loaded and unlocked in easily accessible places like nightstands, cabinets or closets.
Securely storing firearms — unloaded, locked and with ammunition stored separately — can save a child’s life and protect others in the home. Colorado law mandates that firearms be stored securely to prevent access by children and teens, which helps lower suicide and injury rates among young people.
80%
Nearly 80% of unintentional firearm deaths among children ages 0-14 happen in their own homes, often while playing with an unlocked and loaded gun.
80%
Over 80% of child and teen suicides by firearm involve a gun owned by a family member.
3 in 4
3 in 4 children know where firearms are hidden in the home, despite about 40% of parents thinking they did not.
Listen to our feature on Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Charting Pediatrics podcast to learn more.
Learn More About What You Can Do
Who We Are
With nearly 800 members statewide, the American Academy of Pediatrics – Colorado Chapter (AAP Colorado) has a long history of working to improve the lives and well-being of Colorado’s children and youth, in partnership with pediatric professionals who serve on the frontlines of health care. AAP Colorado’s Secure Their Future campaign provides free firearm cable locks and educational materials to pediatric health care clinics and the families they serve to help prevent firearm-related injuries and death.
