FAQs

What is Lock Arms for Life about? 

We support responsible gun ownership and work with anyone concerned about gun safety to promote responsible ownership and secure storage of weapons.  We are a nonprofit that distributes gun locks and  literature to the community, as well as make presentations to educate about gun safety. We believe responsible ownership and safety go hand-in-hand.

Why are there so many accidents with guns?

Too many gun owners fail to prioritize safety practices, which leads to tens of thousands of accidental gun deaths and injuries every year. Guns that are not stored safely, especially in homes, can result in accidental deaths as well as suicides. Practicing safe storage by using cable gun locks, locked cabinet gun safes, and following all gun safety procedures will save lives.

Isn’t it more important to prepare for active shooters?

Though the fear of mass shootings is real and we have lost far too many Americans this way, suicide by firearm is actually much more prevalent than mass shootings.  Practicing safe storage and speaking up about it to others can make an even bigger impact than preparing for active shooters.

What does Lock Arms for Life advocate for?

A = Always secure guns in your homes and vehicles

C = Cultivate responsible behavior

T = Think about the risks of suicide

I = Inquire about unsecured guns in others’ homes

V = Voice your concern about gun safety

E = Educate your peers in being ACTIVE

We Promote Firearm Safety

• Responsible owners take a firearms safety course before firing a gun.
• Treat every single firearm as if it’s loaded.
• Always know what your target is and what is beyond it — keeping your finger off the trigger until it’s ready to fire.
• Don’t rely on your gun’s safety.

How is storage going to make a difference?

Unsecured guns put everyone at risk. When guns are left unsecured in the home, they are accessible to children and people at risk of suicide.  They are often stolen from homes. Lock Arms for Life promotes these best practices for safe storage.

• The safest place to store a firearm is a gun safe.
• Ensure you store the firearm and ammunition separately.
• If a safe is not an option, use a gun lock.
• Never store an unlocked gun in a car, even if the car is locked. Cars are not gun safes.
• ALWAYS assume a gun is loaded if you see one. If it’s not yours, do not touch it.

We speak up about gun safety

• If you or your children are visiting someone’s home, don’t be afraid to ask if they have firearms, and how they are stored. When your kids are going to college, find out about the university’s firearm policy, and if a roommate has a firearm.
• If you have friends or family that are not acting responsibly with firearms, don’t be afraid to speak up. You may save a life.
• If you know someone who is in crisis and at risk of suicide and has guns in the home, ask if you can store the guns temporarily until the crisis passes.

How can I be an advocate for gun safety?

• If you’re a student, sign our safety pledge and promise to follow the ACTIVE steps.
• If you have experienced a gun tragedy, speak up to tell your story so you can help educate others.
• If your school will allow it, we can send speakers to talk to students about gun safety. We can also send resources and materials to teachers for classroom modules.
• Start conversations with children and young adults early. Don’t stop at texting and driving, or safe sex practices. Add firearm safety to the dialogue, especially when your child is going off to college. Our brains don’t fully form until we are 25 years old, and we know young adults often make impulsive and risky decisions.

How else can you support the safety work of Lock Arms for Life?

A donation to Lock Arms for Life helps us purchase gun locks for distribution, as well as fund educational resources to distribute in the community. Education and protective devices enable and promote responsible storage to keep more people safe.