Dane County launches safe gun storage campaign after 128 suicides | The Locally Times
Published ยท The Locally Times
Public Health Madison & Dane County announced a campaign urging gun owners to store firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.
Public Health Madison & Dane County announced a new campaign on September 22, 2026, urging gun owners in Dane County to practice safe gun storage at home. The campaign includes a Public Service Announcement written and created by Dane County youth, along with digital advertising, social media, and website resources. Since 2023, there have been 42 non-fatal accidental shootings, including several involving children, and 128 suicides using firearms in Dane County. ## What the record shows The campaign focuses on how gun owners can help prevent firearm injuries, including accidental shootings. The recommended steps are to unload the firearm by removing all ammunition, lock the firearm with a locking device or in a locked location, and store ammunition in a separate, locked location away from the firearm. ## What residents can do Parents and caregivers can talk with children about firearm safety and teach them that any situation involving an unsupervised gun is a dangerous situation. More information about the campaign, including tips for talking to children about firearm safety and safe storage options, is available at publichealthmdc.com/gunsafety.