In an effort to encourage safe firearm storage and to reduce accidental shootings and suicide risks, the Kane County Health Department is offering free gun locks to residents and gun retailers, officials said.
Since the program began two weeks ago, about 50 locks have been distributed, Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson said.
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The initiative is designed to encourage safe firearm storage by blocking the trigger access, preventing the unauthorized use of the weapon. The locks are universal and come with installation instructions.
Isaacson said unsecured guns can lead to accidental shootings, gun violence, theft and suicide.
“We are focused on the law-abiding gun owner who wants to just make sure their home is safe and no one accidentally gets a hold of the firearm,” Isaacson said. “We are also happy to work with any organizations who are interested in making these available to their clients and customers.”
Gun owners can pick up the gun locks at the health department’s reception area at 1240 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora during working hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. No information is collected from those receiving them, officials said.
Gun retailers may also obtain gun locks to make available at no charge to customers purchasing firearms, and can request them from Kaitlin Soriano, Violence Prevention Coordinator at the Kane County Health Department, at [email protected].
The program follows a rise in gun-related injuries and deaths in the county. Between 2018 and 2022, Kane County recorded 141 gunshot wound deaths, with 81 being suicides. During that same period, the county’s emergency departments treated 410 gunshot wound victims, officials said.
The gun locks are provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are distributed through the Illinois Department of Public Health.