As summer approaches and children and teens spend more time at home, visiting friends, and participating in neighborhood activities, Mayor Meghan George, Lakewood City School District Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki and Police Chief Kevin Fischer remind Lakewood residents of the importance of secure firearm storage – both at home and in vehicles.
Gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. By securely storing firearms and having open conversations with one another, adults can help prevent tragedies and protect children. Community leaders encourage all adults to take these simple but important safety steps:
- Store firearms unloaded and locked, with ammunition stored separately.
- Ask about unsecured firearms before children visit another home.
- Use available safety devices, including gun locks and biometric safes. Free gunlocks are available to Lakewood residents through the Lakewood Police Department.
- Gun storage in a vehicle should be temporary, out of sight, and in locked containers attached to your car.
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Leaders also shared several reminders about the importance of secure storage:
- In 2025 in Ohio, there were at least 15 unintentional firearm shootings by children resulting in 7 deaths and 8 injuries. (Source: Not An Accident)
- In the United States, nearly 1300 children and teens die by gun suicide each year. Overwhelmingly the guns used in child and teen suicide involve a gun belonging to a parent or relative. (Source: The Impact of Gun Violence on Children and Teens)
- Research shows secure firearm storage can reduce the risk of unintentional shootings and self-harm by up to 80 percent. (Source: What is Safe Storage?)
This summer—and throughout the year—Lakewood leaders encourage all adults to help protect Lakewood children through responsible firearm storage.