Firearm storage practices play a vital role in reducing the risk of gun violence, including the prevention of unintentional shootings, gun suicides and gun theft. The tragic death of Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins underscores this point as he died after being shot by an armed individual in possession of a stolen gun. Best practices for safe storage include storing guns unloaded, locked and separate from ammunition. Village ordinance requires the following:
- All firearms within the Village of Oak Park must be secured by a locking device.
- Only the person authorized to carry or control the firearm may know the combination or the location of the key of the locking device.
- A firearm unattended in a vehicle within plain view is not considered secure.
Free gun locks available at various locations...The Oak Park Public Health Department has free gun locks available at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Gun locks are also available at the Oak Park Township, 105 S. Oak Park Ave. and the Community Mental Health Board office located in the Park District’s Community Recreation Center, 229 Madison St.
For more information, visit www.oak-park.us/gunsafety or contact the Public Health Department at 708.358.5480 or health@oak-park.us.