Free gun locks distributed throughout MKE to prevent accidental deaths and gun suicides in children

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee (UNCOM) will be distributing free gun locks on Wednesdays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and as needed at various locations around the city. See the link below for a full list of locations.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAPP), there are 4.6 million kids estimated that live with unlocked, loaded guns. Unintentional shootings happen to kids of every age, but the chance of accidental death is 4 times higher in homes with guns.

UNCOM Executive Director Renée Logee says, “It is important to have locks readily available to decrease unintentional shootings." 

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) – Pediatrics estimates if half of the homes with kids that have at least one unlocked gun changed to locking their guns, one-third of youth suicides by gun and accidental deaths could be prevented.

“I ask all gun owners to safely store their guns and keep them out of the hands of children. Their lives are at stake,” says Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.

For a full list of gun lock distribution locations, click here.