P3.131: Implementation of a Firearm Safety Initiative in an Urban Louisiana City

Background: In 2019, firearm injuries surpassed motor vehicle collisions to become the leading cause of pediatric death in the United States. In Louisiana, firearm injuries have represented the primary cause of pediatric death since 2013. Moreover, the state has the highest rate of unintentional firearm injuries and fatalities in children and adolescents in the nation. Previous research has demonstrated that improved public awareness and education initiatives, firearm safety counseling, and free gun lock distribution promote increased secure storage practices among participants. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community engagement program providing secure firearm storage education and free biometric gun safes on secure storage practices.

Methods: In 2023, a community program developed by the local health department in collaboration with the children’s hospital distributing free biometric gun safes and providing secure storage education through the Be SMART program was implemented in an urban Louisiana city. Participants of the program completed an initial survey upon receipt of the gun safe and follow-up surveys were performed at 6-12 weeks and 3-5 months post-distribution. Initial survey information included demographics, baseline knowledge of secure storage options, current firearm storage practices, and the number of children in the home. Follow-up surveys aimed to evaluate changes in knowledge and storage practices.

Results: A total of 840 biometric gun safes were distributed throughout the study period. Of those receiving a safe, 100 completed both follow-up surveys. The survey cohort was 51% female, 45% male, and 4% unknown gender; 71% were >41 years of age, 25% < 40 years, and 4% unknown age. Racial demographics included 87% Black, 1% Hispanic, and 12% unknown race. Prior to receiving the biometric gun safe, 31% of recipients reported personal experience with firearm violence, and 72% reported that children resided in a home where guns were stored. Before receiving the safe, 40% of participants stored their firearms loaded, and only 30% of those used a lock box. Among those who stored their firearms loaded, 75% had children living in the home. On initial follow-up, 83% of recipients reported using the gun safe, 70% found the setup process easy or very easy, and 100% were satisfied with their safe. On subsequent follow up, 94% of recipients continued to use the biometric safe for firearm storage. Additionally, 96% of recipients reported improved knowledge regarding secure storage practices, and 100% of respondents with children in the home reported that they felt their children were safer.

Conclusion: Implementation of a community program focusing on distribution of free biometric gun safes enhanced safe storage practices and reduced children’s access to unsecured firearms. Participants reported sustained satisfaction with the gun safes and felt their children were safer as a result of adopting secure storage practices.