Safe and Secure: Protect What Matters Most
At Mid-West Family Marketing & Media, we believe in protecting our communities – especially our kids – through responsible firearm storage and safety education. In partnership with Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office, our goal is to help gun owners in Berrien County store firearms safely and prevent tragedies before they happen.
Why Safe Gun Storage Matters
– 75% of kids who live in homes with guns know where they’re stored.
– 1 in 3 homes with kids has at least one unlocked or loaded gun.
– Unsecured firearms are often stolen during car and home break-ins, many of them used later in crimes.
– Young children are naturally curious and accidental shootings happen more often than you think.
Safe storage isn’t about taking away rights. It’s about preventing preventable tragedies.
4 Key Gun Storage Tips for Every Berrien County Household
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Use a gun lock or cable lock
– Available free at many local police departments and firearm retailers. -
Store firearms unloaded and locked
– Lock boxes and gun safes reduce the risk of theft and misuse. -
Keep ammunition stored separately
– Separate storage doubles the protection for curious kids or teens in crisis. -
Avoid storing guns in vehicles
– Especially during warmer months, car break-ins spike—and unsecured weapons are prime targets.
Local Resources & Support
Free Gun Locks
- Berrien County Sheriff’s Office
Contact: (269) 983-7141
Website: https://www.bcsheriff.org - Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety
Participates in Project ChildSafe; limited supply available.
Gun Safety Training & Education
- Southwest Michigan Gun Club
Offers firearm safety and storage workshops
Website: https://swmgunclub.org - Michigan State Police: Safe Homes, Safe Kids Program
View Tips & Videos: https://www.michigan.gov/msp
For Parents & Caregivers
Talking to your children about guns doesn’t make them more curious—it helps them stay safe.
Teach them: “Stop. Don’t touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult.”
Normalize asking about firearm storage when your child visits other homes.
Downloadable Tools
Safe Gun Storage Checklist (PDF): https://projectchildsafe.org
Home Firearm Safety Plan Template: https://www.safegunstorage.org
Project ChildSafe Parent Guide: https://projectchildsafe.org
This is About Our Community
We’re not here to debate. We’re here to protect. If you own a gun, we believe in your right to do so and we want to make sure that right is practiced responsibly.
Let’s keep Berrien County safe, secure, and informed – together.
