ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Fire Department is joining the effort to fight gun violence by handing out free gun locks at fire departments and in some neighborhoods. After a 4-year-old girl was shot this weekend, the department wants to prevent future incidents.
“We are known for running into the fire,” Chief Dennis Jenkerson said. “We can't continue to see these children injured by senseless shootings.”
The “Lock It For Love” campaign was started by Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice, a non-profit that helps against social issues. In the six-year campaign, 7,200 locks have been distributed.
Other community organizations are also helping distribute locks and information to help prevent accidental shootings.
Gun locks could prevent 1/3 of accidental shootings and deaths, Mayor Lyda Krewson said.
“It's been shown that kids as little as 3 or 4 years old know where the gun is in their house and they are naturally curious,” the mayor said.
Children’s Hospital said 2020 was its busiest year treating gun injuries, Dr. Lindsay Clukies, St. Louis Children’s Hospital said.
“I will never forget the screams of parents that I hear when I have to break this kind of news,” Clukie said. “At last summer’s peak on average, we saw a child shot in our emergency room every other day.”
The locks are donated. $5 can save a life. Donate through this link.