In the year 2001 there were 29,573 gun related deaths in the United States—or about 80 deaths per day. In 72 percent of unintentional deaths and injuries and deaths involving infants to 19 year-olds, the firearm was stored in the residence of the victim, a relative or a friend and left unsecured. Surprisingly only 52 percent of gun-owning households with children regularly make sure that guns are equipped with child safety of other trigger locks.

Over 1,200 free gunlocks have been given to Denver Health employees over the last 2 years. It is the Injury Prevention Committee’s goal to keep our employees and their families safe, by reducing the number of unintentional gun related fatalities.

Children are curious beings and hiding a gun within your home in a "place your children will never find it" has a good chance they could injure themselves or someone else. In addition to properly storing your gun, other important gun safety measures include:

• Using a gun lock or trigger lock.
• Making the key to the gun lock and bullets inaccessible.
• Education and open discussion about guns and the risks associated with them.
• Discourage use of realistic toy guns or other similar firearms.
• Inform your children to follow the rules of the National Rifle Association (NRA) Eddie Eagle safety program if they find a gun: "Stop! Don't touch it. Leave the area. Tell an adult."
• Discuss gun safety with family and friends who have guns in their homes. Take the correct precautions to properly store and use it.

To obtain a free gunlock contact Denver Health Injury Prevention at 303-436-4030, your local police department or the Colorado State Patrol.