Environment DEC
From the December 2003 issue
Firearm Safety Initiative Launched
Gun locks are an important safety measure.
Using Gun Locks
Project ChildSafe, a nationwide program to promote safe firearms handling and storage through distribution of safety education Project ChildSafe, a nationwide program to promote safe firearms handling and storage through distribution of safety education messages and free gun-locking devices, is underway in New York State.About 500 local law enforcement, public safety offices and New York State Police locations will distribute 712,500 gun locks statewide.
Earlier this year, Project ChildSafe donated 33,000 locks to members of the New York City Police Department through the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. DEC is participating through its Sportsmen Education Program and Division of Law Enforcement's outreach programs.
The free locks are simple and effective cable-lock devices that can render virtually any type of handgun inoperable when properly applied. The cable-style lock supplied in Project ChildSafe safety kits should be used in addition to, not as a substitute for, safe firearms handling and storage methods.
ChildSafe Program
Project ChildSafe is funded by a $50 million grant from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and will provide nearly 20 million free gun locks and firearm safety education materials to families in all 50 states, the five US territories and the District of Columbia.
Project ChildSafe is an expansion of the Project HomeSafe program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The program is a component of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime to create safer neighborhoods. NSSF was selected by DOJ to administer Project ChildSafe based on its experience in operating Project HomeSafe.
For more information, visit the Project ChildSafe web site, or call Emalie Varno at (518) 434-3582.
