Austin ISD families and community members can now obtain free cable-style gun locks to ensure safe gun storage at home through a partnership with Project ChildSafe.
The initiative aims to promote the safe storage of firearms, which is considered an essential aspect of gun safety. "Practicing safe storage habits can go a long way in preventing tragedies and keeping firearms out of the wrong hands," stated the announcement.
As a designated Project ChildSafe location, the Austin ISD Police Department received 500 gun locks for distribution within the community at no cost. Interested individuals are required to save their confirmation response as proof of request and bring it to Austin ISD Central Office, located at 4000 S. Interstate 35, Austin, Texas, 78704 between 8 a.m. and noon for pickup. Alternative arrangements will be made for those unable to come in person.
In its efforts to protect students from firearms, Austin ISD is also informing families about their legal obligations concerning negligent gun storage. Guns have become the leading cause of death among American children, with 76% of school shooters obtaining their weapons from their own homes or those of relatives. Additionally, approximately four million children live in homes with unsecured guns, and over one-third of all unintentional shootings involving children occur in the homes of friends, neighbors, or relatives.
The district emphasizes that storing firearms in a secure manner—such as using safes or locked cabinets—can prevent unauthorized access, thefts, and accidents. The keys or combinations to these containers should be kept separately and securely to further ensure safety.
According to Texas State Law 46.13 on making firearms accessible to children, an offense occurs if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm due to criminal negligence by failing to secure it or leaving it where it could be accessed by a child. This offense is classified as a Class C Misdemeanor but escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor if the firearm is discharged by the child causing death or serious injury.
Families seeking more information can find additional resources through the Texas Department of Public Safety.