Free gun locks event highlights push for safety in Durham: 'We don't want regrettable tragedies'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Durham County Department of Public Health says it distributed 175 free gun locks on Monday as part of an ongoing effort to keep firearms secure and prevent accidental shootings.

Natasha Fields, who runs the Mellow Dogs hot dog stand at the corner of South Dillard and Mangum streets, said she hears too many stories about children finding unsecured guns. The mother of three keeps her own firearms locked away.

"Just making sure it's properly stored so they don't get ahold of it," she said.

Just steps from her stand, community leaders gathered under a tent to hand out gun locks and talk with residents about the importance of safe firearm storage.

"We have parents, friends or caregivers of children who get charged because they have an unsecured gun in their home," said Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry. "The child found it and played with it or shot themselves or another child."

Why it matters

According to Everytown, since 2015, North Carolina has recorded at least 133 unintentional shootings involving children. Fifty of those incidents were deadly.

Last year alone, there were eight unintentional shootings involving children, resulting in four deaths. So far this year, there have been two, including one death.

Dr. John Moses, a pediatrician with Duke Health, said the consequences of unsecured firearms stay with him.

"I have myself personally been involved with trying to unsuccessfully resuscitate a 3yearold child who on Super Bowl Sunday got ahold of a firearm in the home and shot themselves," Moses said.

He hopes sharing his experience encourages gun owners to take extra precautions.

"We don't want there to be regrettable tragedies that occur as a result of guns not being stored properly in the home," he said.

NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) is a statewide initiative to raise awareness about safe storage has an ongoing campaign since 2023.

Gun locks available yearround

Residents don't have to wait for a community event to get a gun lock. The Durham County Department of Public Health and the District Attorney's Office keep them available throughout the year.

Download the ABC11 News app for breaking news alerts