Injury Prevention and EMS

Safe Gun Storage Program

Objective: To validate the findings of a firearm storage study conducted in the Bristol Bay area in 2000, to determine and compare gun owner compliance with trigger locks and gun storage cabinets, and to compare the regional differences in gun cabinet use in Alaska.

Problem Statement: Firearm injuries are a leading cause of serious and fatal injuries to children and youth in Alaska. Of 90 fatal firearm injuries to youth age 15-19 from 1994-1998, 64% were suicides. Alaska Natives represented about 22% of the children and youth (ages 0-19) during the study period, they accounted for 48% of the serious and fatal firearm injuries. Male children and youth were nearly six times more likely of being seriously injured or killed by firearms than female children and youth. Rates of firearm injury and death are higher in the rural areas of the state.

Strategies and Activities: Site coordinators will place gun storage cabinets and provide education on the positive aspects of firearm safety such as protecting children from unintentionally discharging a weapon and keeping firearms safe from theft.

Evaluation: Evaluation will consist of random, unannounced surveys of firearm storage in the homes receiving cabinets or trigger locks at six-month and more than 1 year intervals. The evaluation will not only look at use of the safety device, but will ask gun owners about their satisfaction of the device and reason (s) for compliance or non-compliance.

Contact: Karen Lawfer, 465-8632