Gun Safety

Firearms have become the leading cause of death in children and teens in the United States. Mass shootings across Texas and the nation have captured headlines. What we hear less frequently about are the many firearm injuries that occur because guns aren't safely stored—the result–gun-related suicides, unintentional discharges and firearm theft. 

GunSafety4Bexar

Bexar County and University Health are collaborating to save lives through our partnership, GunSafety4Bexar. Together, we can prevent many of these tragedies by promoting safe gun storage.

Through this website, you will find locations and events for free gun lock distributions, which are open to the public.

We’ll keep you informed about other efforts to prevent unintentional firearm injuries, and you’ll find information you can use to prevent injuries in your own homes.

Free Gun Locks

Find a free gun lock distribution location near you in the list below. Call ahead to ensure availability.

Firearm Safety Additional Resources

• Be SMART For Kids
• Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Programs
• Bexar Responsibly
• Keep’ Em Safe Texas

Safe firearm storage in homes with Alzheimer's or dementia patients

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia lead to a loss of ability to think, reason and remember. Nearly one-third of people with dementia exhibit combative behavior over the course of their illness, and if they have access to guns, family members and caregivers may be at risk. Caregivers can usually manage aggressive behavior and prevent significant harm. But if a person with Alzheimer's has access to a gun, they and other people in the home may be at risk.

It is important for families to safely store firearms in their homes. The Alzheimer’s Association has additional recommendations.

• Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation: Giving up the guns when a family member has Alzheimer’s
• Kaiser Health News: Unlocked and Loaded: Families Confront Dementia and Guns
• PBS News Hour – How the families of gun owners with dementia grapple with safety 

Kids can find anything. Make sure they can't find a gun

One in three homes with children in America have firearms, and many are stored unlocked or unloaded. By storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition, firearm owners can help reduce the number of children who find guns and shoot themselves or someone else.

• American Academy of Pediatrics – Gun Safety and Children
• How to keep your kids safe in other homes

Recognize Depression

Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse increase the risk of suicide. Suicides account for nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths in the United States.

Many who take their own lives use firearms found in their own homes or in those of relatives and friends. Suicides can often be prevented when guns are unloaded and locked, with ammunition stored in a separate location.

More Resources

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs
• Firearm Suicide in the United States
• Harvard Public Health: Guns & Suicide

Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak with someone and get help.