June is recognized as Gun Safety Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at promoting responsible firearm ownership and community efforts to prevent gun violence. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) has called on the public to use this time to consider how collective actions can enhance community safety.
The RPD emphasizes that “gun safety is everyone’s responsibility.” This applies whether individuals own guns, live in households with firearms, or are concerned about neighborhood safety. Practicing and advocating for safe habits is essential for saving lives.
The department has shared several recommendations for gun safety:
– Firearms should always be stored unloaded and locked away securely.
– Use of gun safes or lockboxes is advised, along with gun locks where applicable.
– Ammunition should be kept separately from firearms.
– It’s important to discuss gun safety with children and family members, emphasizing the importance of not handling firearms without adult supervision.
– Suspicious activities or illegal firearm possession should be reported to law enforcement immediately.
To further promote safe gun ownership and awareness, the department will host Gun Lock Giveaway events in the community. These events are scheduled for 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.
For more information on preventing gun violence, the public is encouraged to read further resources provided by the department.
