Cleveland Reporter

The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio has launched an awareness and education initiative to promote safe firearm storage practices. The program, titled “Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives,” is set to take place on September 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Heights Community Center in Richmond Heights, Ohio.

In collaboration with the Richmond Heights Police Department, the USAO aims to inform attendees about the importance of securing firearms properly. The event will address trends in firearm-related accidents and self-harm, particularly among children and teens, highlighting the connection between these incidents and unsafe storage practices.

Speakers at the event include U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio; Michelle Bell, founder of M-Pac Cleveland; MetroHealth Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator Anthony Zalewski, RN; Richmond Heights Police Chief Calvin Williams; and Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Thomas.

Local police officers will distribute free gun locks without requiring personal information from recipients. They will also demonstrate various safe storage devices and discuss options with attendees individually.

“When you make the choice to own a firearm, you owe it to your neighbors to do so responsibly," said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko. She cited recent tragic incidents involving young children who accidentally discharged firearms found in their homes as preventable through proper storage practices.

The Safe Storage campaign aligns with National Suicide Prevention Month, observed each September by the National Institute of Mental Health. Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates a 20% increase in firearm-related suicides from 2012 to 2022, with younger individuals experiencing higher rates.

According to a CDC report titled “Unintentional Firearm Injury Deaths Among Children and Adolescents Aged 0-17 Years,” most fatal injuries occurred at home or in familiar settings where firearms were often stored loaded and unlocked.

“We’re calling on our community partners and the public to help us spread awareness of these largely preventable accidents and instances of self-harm,” said U.S. Attorney Lutzko. She emphasized that promoting responsible firearm ownership can save lives similarly to seatbelt education in car safety.

The USAO has made available various resources on its website discussing safe storage practices, including flyers, safety pledge certificates, and owners’ manuals. The public is encouraged to visit www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/safe-gun-storage for more information and follow USAO social media accounts for ongoing updates.

Additional community programs focused on safe storage are expected to be announced soon.

For further details about the September 19 program, contact Jessica Salas Novak at 216-622-3921 or Jessica.Salas.Novak@usdoj.gov.

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