Environment DEC
From the October 2005 issue
Free gun locks available through "Project ChildSafe"
Recently, at the New York State Police Academy, Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue was joined by Project ChildSafe representative Shari LaGate, State Police and Department of Environmental Conservation representatives to announce a second round of free gun locks available through Project ChildSafe.
Project Childsafe Spokeswoman Shari LeGate demonstrates how gun locks are used
"Project ChildSafe provides an excellent opportunity for any gun owner in New York to obtain a gun lock free-of-charge," Lieutenant Governor Donohue said. "It is vitally important that we not only keep our children safe from the potential danger of an unlocked firearm, but educate all gun owners on the proper handling of a firearm, which Project ChildSafe also emphasizes."
National Safety Program
Project ChildSafe is a national firearm safety education program which promotes safe firearms handling and storage practices through the distribution of free cable-style gun locks and safety education messages. In a 35-day statewide safety tour that began in July, Project ChildSafe provided free gun locks and educational materials to more than 500 New York law enforcement agencies for distribution in their communities.
Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "As sportsmen and women gear up for upcoming fall hunting opportunities, DEC encourages everyone to remember the basic rules of firearm safety and share them with all the members of their families. Through our continuing partnership with Project ChildSafe, we look forward to distributing free locking devices as a valuable tool to help protect people's homes and communities."
Millions of Locks Distributed
Project ChildSafe has already distributed more than 30 million free gun locks in all 50 states, including 920,000 in New York. By the end of next summer, New York will have received more than 1.2 million free gun locks. Locks will be distributed at New York State Police locations as well as at DEC sportsman education courses and educational programs. Project ChildSafe representatives will also distribute locks directly to gun owners nationwide at major public events such as state fairs, sportsmen's festivals and community safety days.
More Information
Project ChildSafe was developed, and is managed, by the National Shooting Sports Foundation with $70 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. Additional information about Project ChildSafe, including exact locations where free locks can be obtained, can be found at the web link below.
