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Promoted by the National Safety Council every June, National Safety Month was developed as an annual observance to educate and influence behaviors around leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.

In recognition of National Safety Month, the Lewisville Police Department would like to remind our citizens about the importance of proper gun usage and storage. It is important to remember that these rules are not just for National Safety Month. They apply year round.

Regarding proper usage, The National Rifle Association teaches three fundamental rules for gun owners. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, ALWAYS keep your finger off of the trigger, and ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Another important aspect of gun safety is the proper storage of firearms. Guns placed in drawers, closets, desks, cabinets, or other unlocked, accessible places are simply not secure. For proper storage always use a personal safe or single gun lock box with a trigger lock placed on the unloaded firearm for an added layer of protection. Proper storage can help prevent a child or unauthorized person from accessing a loaded firearm.

In Texas, “making a firearm accessible to a child” is a criminal offense. A person commits this offense if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and the person, with criminal negligence, failed to secure the firearm or left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless the child discharges the firearm and causes death or serious bodily injury to himself or another person. Under those circumstances, this offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

To help promote the idea of safe and secure firearm storage, the Lewisville Police Department will be offering free gun locks during the month of June. Thanks to a generous donation of gun locks from Eagle Gun Range in Lewisville, Texas, we are able to provide these gun locks to Lewisville residents at no cost while supplies last. Our thanks go out to David Prince at Eagle Gun Range for helping us promote gun safety during National Safety Month.

To schedule a time to pick up your gun lock, contact Assistant Chief Jay Powell at (972) 219-3612 or by e-mail at [email protected].