Working with federal authorities and cybersecurity experts, the City of Columbus continues its investigation and response to a July cybersecurity incident.
Beginning with the week starting on July 5, 2023, fire stations across the City began distributing gun locks, free-of-charge, to Columbus residents.
Gun locks provide another level of safety by securing guns when not in use. The gun locks being purchased are made from a braided steel cable with a keyed padlock. This is a proactive step to changing the narrative of young people continuing to injure and killing other young people with firearms, we are in a race to stop this tragedy from recurring again.
These gun locks are available to any resident, no questions asked, at all Columbus fire stations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, in Columbus, please call 614-724-0269.
Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens. Gun safety isn't just about knowing how to properly handle a gun. Gun safety is also about keeping guns from getting into the wrong hands. Storing a gun and ammunition properly protects others from injury and keeps weapons out of the hands of children and others who shouldn't have them.
Columbus Public Health provides free lock boxes to the City of Columbus residents. Contact lockssavelives@columbus.gov or Corey Ball at 614-645-1941 to learn how you can receive a free gun safe/lock box. Hours for this program are Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (1393 E. Broad St.).
The following agencies around central Ohio have gun locks or lock boxes available. Most provide gun locks, not gun boxes. You can contact the agency nearest you for more information.