June is designated as Gun Safety Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of responsible firearm ownership and safe storage practices. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) is using this month to urge community members to consider ways to foster a safer environment.
“Gun safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the department states. They emphasize that whether individuals are gun owners, live in households with firearms, or simply care about their neighbors’ well-being, adopting and promoting safe habits can potentially save lives.
The RPD has outlined several safety recommendations:
– Firearms should always be stored unloaded and locked away securely.
– Gun safes or lockboxes should be used, and gun locks applied when possible.
– Ammunition should be kept separately from firearms.
– Families are encouraged to discuss gun safety with children, stressing the importance of not handling firearms without adult supervision.
– Suspicious activities or illegal firearm possession should be reported to law enforcement.
In conjunction with these guidelines, the department is organizing Gun Lock Giveaway events within the community to encourage safe gun ownership. These events will take place on June 27 from 12 – 2 p.m. at 1141 Falls River Ave, Suite 110, and from 2 – 4 p.m. at 6501 Mt. Herman Road.
