No parent ever expects tragedy to strike at home. Yet across Ohio, more children are being injured or killed in accidental shootings—most involving unsecured firearms. Toddlers, teenagers and curious kids of all ages are finding guns left out in plain sight or stored without locks, often with devastating results.
For parents, these incidents are more than headlines. They are heartbreaking reminders of how quickly a normal day can turn tragic — and how small changes at home can make all the difference.
Ohio’s push for safer homes
Recognizing the rise in child-related firearm accidents, a bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers recently introduced a resolution aimed at encouraging families to safely store their guns. The initiative, known as House Resolution 148, calls for greater awareness around firearm storage and urges communities to promote safety campaigns that reach homes, schools and neighborhoods.
The goal isn’t about changing who can own a gun—it’s about making sure firearms are stored responsibly, especially when children are nearby.
Communities stepping up
While lawmakers debate broader policies, many Ohio cities are already finding ways to help families stay safe. Cincinnati offers residents a free service to temporarily store their firearms when children visit or during times when having a gun at home may feel unsafe. Cleveland’s police and community centers host educational events on gun safety, distributing free gun locks and providing training for parents and kids.
Columbus also partners with public health programs to raise awareness and make safety equipment accessible to families at no cost. These programs remind parents that prevention starts long before a tragedy—and that simple actions can save lives.
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Building safer habits at home
Experts agree that safe storage is one of the most effective ways to protect children from accidental shootings. Using a gun safe, lockbox or cable lock and storing ammunition separately, significantly reduces the risk of harm.
Parents can also take safety one step further by starting open conversations — not only within their own homes but with other families. Before a playdate or visit, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask whether there are firearms in the home and how they’re secured.
Four simple steps every parent can take
- Lock it up. Store every gun unloaded in a safe, cabinet or lockbox.
- Separate ammunition. Keep bullets in a different location than firearms.
- Ask before visits. Check if guns are present and secured at other homes.
- Talk openly. Teach kids that if they ever see a gun, they should walk away and tell an adult immediately.
A shared commitment to safety
Gun safety isn’t just a political issue—it’s a parenting priority. Every family has the power to reduce risk and set an example of responsibility. Whether through local safety programs, free gun lock giveaways or simply taking time to talk with children, parents can be the strongest line of defense.
By making gun safety part of daily family life, Ohio parents can help ensure their homes—and their communities—remain safe places to grow, play and thrive.
