On September 27th, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a warning about the dangers of improper firearm and ammunition storage. They emphasized that such negligence could result in firearms ending up in the wrong hands, including criminals. To address this issue, they provided a list of guidelines for safely storing firearms of all types.

"By safely storing your firearms & ammunition, you can prevent them from getting into the wrong hands — incl. the hands of criminals," the Texas Department of Public Safety stated. They directed individuals to visit http://SafeGunStorageTexas.com for more information on how to properly store firearms. The department also encouraged the use of hashtags such as "#safegunstorage" and "#safestoragesaveslives" to raise awareness about this important issue.

Improper storage of firearms can have serious consequences. In Texas, thousands of firearms are stolen from their rightful owners each year, leading to a range of incidents including suicides, homicides, and unintentional shootings. Shockingly, in 2021, Texas was among the top five states with the highest number of unintentional shootings involving children. Approximately 26 instances occurred, with half of them resulting in death. Proper storage of firearms could have prevented these tragedies.

DPS Platform X post | https://twitter.com/TxDPS/status/1707024795374698590

Improper storage also increases the risk of school shootings. An example of this is the Santa Fe High School shooting in 2018, where a seventeen-year-old student stole his father's gun. Additionally, firearms are frequently used in suicides, particularly among minors. By securely storing guns, these heartbreaking incidents could be reduced.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is committed to protecting and serving the state of Texas. Their mission includes preventing crime and terrorism, saving lives, and protecting property. They constantly strive to improve strategies to ensure the safety of Texas citizens. One aspect of their efforts is promoting secure licensing services and enforcing public order.

To prevent unintentional deaths and thefts, the Texas Department of Public Safety provided a simple three-step guide for safer gun storage. First, firearms should be stored in a locked box or case and kept unloaded. Second, ammunition should also be securely sealed in a separate case. Finally, access to these storage containers should be restricted from children, as well as from friends and visitors. By adhering to these storage practices, countless lives could potentially be saved.

The Texas Department of Public Safety's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible firearm ownership. Proper storage not only prevents firearms from falling into the wrong hands but also helps to mitigate the risk of accidents, suicides, and other tragic incidents. By following the guidelines provided by the department, gun owners can play their part in promoting a safer society.