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​Firearm violence is a multifaceted challenge that requires a public health approach to stop the cycles of violence in disproportionately impacted communities. The ​Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) was created as a result of the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69), which was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2021. The RPSA is a comprehensive approach to violence prevention in response to the State of Illinois' heightened experience of loss, harm, and trauma by the hands of firearm violence, especially during the COVID-19 lock down.​

Learn more about the Aurora Reimagine Public Safety Program​.​​

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​Prevent Accidents and Suicides

Responsible and secure gun storage can help to prevent suicides and accidents resulting from guns. Gun locks can help to keep a gun stored securely. Gun locks are intended to discourage unauthorized persons (such as children, guests, contractors, and uninvited people) from accessing the gun.​

Obtain a Free Gun Lock

Gun owners can pick up the gun locks from the reception area of the Kane County Health Department at 1240 N. Highland Avenue, Aurora during the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Health Department will not request any information from anyone picking up gun locks. Gun
retailers may also obtain gun locks to make available at no charge to customers purchasing firearms, and can request them from Kaitlin Soriano, Violence Prevention Coordinator at sorianokaitlin@kanecountyil.gov​.​


Responsible and Secure Gun Storage Checklist

  • ​Ensure guns are unloaded before storing 
  • Store guns correctly locked in a lock box, gun safe, or with a trigger lock, or cable lock 
  • Store ammunition separately, safely, & securely
  • Secure keys for locking devices where unauthorized persons don't have access 
  • Store guns responsibly and securely at all times when not in use, even when transporting outside the home
  • Ensure unauthorized persons do not have access to stored guns no matter where the firearm is located at all times

Make sure to read and follow the instructions that come with the gun lock on how to use the lock the right way. You can view a video of how gun locks work from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.​

The locks, provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are part of the "Together for a Safer Illinois" program. The initiative aims to prevent accidents, gun violence, theft, and suicide. Locks come with installation instructions and information about the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.​

Resources

CDC: Firearm Violence Prevention​
IDPH: Injury and Violence Prevention​