In recognition of Child Safety and Protection Month, the Berrien County Health Department and Sheriff’s Department are reminding parents to follow safe gun storage laws and offering free gun locks to help keep kids safe.
Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit tells us under Michigan’s new safe storage laws, if a child is present in the home, the firearms must be stored safely, locked up.
“It’s got to either be in a lockbox if loaded, or if you don’t have that and can’t be, the ammunition will be separate,” Heit said. “But a lot of people choose to use the lockboxes. They’ve come a long way as well, just for safety. Because it is the number one cause of death for children is firearms. And a lot of times, that’s just playing with a loaded gun that they found.”
That’s why Heit says everyone should take precautions.
“No one wants to have that tragedy happen in their homes, so just raising awareness to that. Like I said, the law did go into effect in 2024, but it’s just being a responsible gun owner is important.”
The Berrien County Health Department and the sheriff’s department will provide free gun locks on a first-come, first-serve basis at the health department’s Benton Harbor office this month. They’ll be available for pickup 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays while supplies last.
The sheriff’s department says owning a firearm is a serious responsibility that requires extra caution and safety measures.
For more information about safe gun storage, visit Michigan.gov/FirearmSafety.
