Keeping Our Community Safe: Proper Gun Storage in Vehicles

CHI Memorial and the Chattanooga Police Department are dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of our community. With increasing incidents of firearm thefts from vehicles, we aim to educate residents on best practices for gun storage to prevent accidents and thefts.

Importance of Safe Gun Storage

• In 2023, 396 firearms were stolen from vehicles in Chattanooga.
• 46% of these thefts were due to vehicles being left unlocked.
• Safe gun storage helps prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, reducing the risk of violent crime.

Secure Storage Methods

• Dedicated Gun Safe:
  • Specifically designed for vehicles.
  • Can be securely mounted in less visible areas, like the trunk or beneath the driver's seat.
  • Should be bolted down to prevent removal.
  • Use a combination or key lock and keep the key separate from your vehicle keys.
• Lockable Compartment:
  • Should have strong locks and ideally be reinforced.
  • Keep the key separate from your vehicle keys.
• Holster Safety:
  • Always keep your firearm in its holster during transfer to prevent accidental firing.

Community Responsibility

• Safe gun storage is a shared responsibility.
• Preventing firearm theft helps keep guns off the streets and out of the wrong hands.

CHI Memorial and the Chattanooga Police Department are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community. Together, we can make a difference.