Firearm Injury Prevention Policy

Learn About Your State’s Secure Storage Laws

Map Key

Secure Storage Grade:

  • A - CAP law applies ages 18 and under AND if child could access firearm AND requires secure storage of firearm when not under immediate control of user.

  • B - CAP law applies ages 18 and under AND if child could access firearm; NO required safe storage of firearm when not under user’s immediate control.

  • C - CAP law applies ages 18 and under BUT only after child accesses the firearm.

  • D - CAP law below the age of 18 AND if the child could access the firearm.

  • E - CAP law below age 18 AND only after child accesses firearm.

  • F - No Law


SAFE’s Stance on Firearm Related Policies

SAFE strongly supports evidence-based policy THAT PROMOTES RESPONSIBLE FIREARM OWNERSHIP while respecting the second amendment. To decrease the devastating loss of life attributable to firearm injuries, we urge policy-makers to ENACT AND ENFORCE: 

  • Comprehensive Child Access Prevention (CAP) Laws, also known as Safe Storage Laws, which prevent children from accessing firearms

  • Additional education for firearm owners in homes with children 

  • A minimum safe firearm storage requirement


Education on Policy:
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Pilot Efforts

Medical Students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Secure Firearm Storage Education & Policy Series

This 6-part series will prepare medical students and healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable and effective advocates for evidence-based secure firearm storage and child access prevention policies.

  • Think critically and independently about the secure storage law in your state

  • Articulate: Should my state law be changed? If so, why and how?

Register for Session 4!

In the session on Monday, August 25 at Noon Central Time, hosted by the SAFE chapter student leaders at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin, will be an educational and feedback session on communicating with legislators who are likely to be supportive of improving secure storage law and how to engage them.

Dr. Susie MacLean, a retired physician on SAFE’s National Board of Directors with extensive experience as a secure firearm storage policy advocate in her home state of California, will be presenting, along with Nick Matuszewski from Wisconsin Anti Violence Effort (WAVE). Joining them is a Government Relations specialist from Giffords Law Center.

This is state-by-state work. All are welcome, regardless of what state you are from or currently live in

 

Session I: February 17, 2025

Current state of affairs in the US regarding secure firearm storage laws, (federal laws and range of state laws) giving learners a framework and resources to evaluate their state’s law.

Session II: March 28, 2025

Education on the evidence that secure storage laws work followed by a discussion of how to use that in messaging.

Session III: April 21, 2025

Coaching on tone and the power of storytelling, sharing anecdotes, perseverance, and how it relates to the importance of relationship building with legislative aides.


Other Upcoming Policy Events

DATE: Tuesday, September 9, 8 PM Eastern Time/5 PM Pacific

One of SAFE’s two annual events that are open to all clinicians and trainees. Brian H. Williams, MD, FACS, is a member of SAFE’s National Board of Directors, and will share the critical shift from federal to state policies in firearm injury prevention work.

Dr. Williams is a trauma surgeon, a USAF veteran, former congressional health policy advisor, and nationally recognized expert in gun violence prevention and healthcare disparities; writer and bestselling author of "The Bodies Keep Coming"