June 17, 2024
NASHVILLE – Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is applauding the statewide effort by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to promote safe storage of firearms by offering free cable locks. The initiative, which is accompanied by a video campaign, was authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly during the August 2023 Special Session.
“Safer TN is grateful for the secure storage of firearms education campaign by Governor Lee and the Tennessee Department of Safety. We encourage gun owners to use the free cable locks provided by the state and to purchase a tax-free gun safe for storage at home or other places, like their vehicles,” said Claudia Huskey, Safer TN executive director.
“Tennessee ranks #3 in the nation for accidental shootings by children, and firearms are now the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-17.” she said. “We also lead the nation in firearms stolen from vehicles, many of which are later used in crimes.”
Huskey said research shows that secure storage is one of the best ways to prevent firearm deaths and injuries and that it is especially important during summer, when children and teens are not in school, to make sure firearms are locked up and not accessible to those who shouldn’t have them. “Our volunteer-driven group of Tennesseans has advocated tirelessly to advance measures such as these and will continue to support pragmatic ways to better incentivize and remove barriers to the secure storage of firearms,” she said.Free cable locks are available in every county. To find a location near you, check the Safe Store Tennessee website.
