State officials remind Michiganders that free gun locks are available

MICHIGAN—Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Michigan State Police, are reminding Michiganders that free gun locks are available at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments.

The reminder coincides with June being National Gun Violence Awareness Month. In 2020, firearms injuries became the number one cause of death for children in the United States and Michigan, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries, According to MDHHS.

“Feeling safe and secure is something every child and every individual in Michigan deserves. Gun locks save lives,” said Col. James F. Grady II, MSP director in a press release. “If you have a firearm in your home, store it properly, away from minors – it’s the law. Safe storage is easy and very accessible. Please visit an MSP Post, your local police department or any MDHHS office to obtain a free gun lock, no questions asked.”

New safe storage laws went into effect earlier this year. They require Michiganders who store or leave their firearms unattended on any property to keep them either in a locked box or container or kept unloaded and locked with a trigger lock if they reasonably know that a minor is likely to be on the premises. The requirement is part of a set of gun bills signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023, which also included new background check rules, among other laws.

The cable-style gun locks being offered were purchased using $500,000 in state funding. 75,000 gun locks are available while supplies last.

Free gun locks are also available through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state.