Gun Safety
Free Gun Locks
Safe Firearm Storage Keeps Our Kids and Schools Safe
The well-being of our students in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is our top priority. Every person in our community can play a role in keeping kids in our community safe.
Right now, firearms are the leading cause of injury-related death for children and youth in North Carolina. If you own a firearm, we urge you to always keep it locked and securely stored. And everyone, whether they own guns or not, can be part of the conversation by discussing safe storage practices with others.
The following tips can help prevent a tragedy:
- Secure all firearms when they are not in use.
- If you keep a firearm in your vehicle, make sure the gun is locked and stored in a device that can’t be removed from the car. And lock your car, too.
- Discuss safe storage practices and child safety with friends and family members.
- Make sure your children do not have access to any firearms — both in your home and elsewhere.
- When locking firearms, make sure any keys are placed in a secure location and any codes used cannot be easily guessed by children.
- Spread the word. Talk with others in your community about the importance of safe firearm storage.
Resources
NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) is North Carolina’s statewide initiative for raising awareness of the importance of safe firearm storage. It is not associated with any advocacy-based initiatives on gun laws or regulations. NC S.A.F.E. offers the following resources:
Parent Flyer: An overview of safe firearm storage for parents and caregivers. (Spanish)
Parent Conversation Flyer: Information to help all parents start the conversation about safe firearm storage — whether they’re gun owners themselves or not. (Spanish)
Safe Storage Checklist: A quick checklist for all firearm owners to help them follow safe storage best practices. (Spanish)
Safe Storage Options: An overview of safe storage options to suit any firearm owner’s needs. (Spanish)
For more information, visit ncsafe.org.
Free Gun Locks
Through this collaboration with the Chapel Hill Police Department, the Carrboro Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff's Department, they are offering free gun locks to members of our community.
Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental injuries, theft, and unauthorized access, especially involving children and teens. A properly secured firearm can make all the difference in protecting lives.
Gun locks are simple devices that prevent a firearm from being loaded or fired. When used correctly, they add an important layer of protection in any home where firearms are present. We strongly encourage all gun owners to store firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.
Free gun locks are available for pickup at the following locations:
Chapel Hill Police Department
- Address: 7300 Millhouse Road, Suite 150, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- Phone: (919) 968-2760
- Business Hours (Admin): Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Carrboro Police Department
- Address: 100 N Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC 27510
- Phone: (919) 918-7397
- Business Hours (Front Desk): Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Orange County Sheriff's Department
- Address: 106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278
- Phone: (919) 245-2900
- Business Hours (Main Office): Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM