DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston is urging parents and guardians to secure their firearms as students return to school. Boston emphasized that shootings involving children and unsecured firearms can be prevented, and that safe storage is a key part of responsible gun ownership.
Starting Monday, August 4, which marks the first day of classes for DeKalb County School District students, community members are invited to visit the District Attorney’s Office to receive a free gun safe while supplies last. The office will also provide information on responsible firearm ownership.
“Every year when we send our students back to school we talk to them about safety—how to stay safe walking to school, getting on the bus, etc.—my message to parents and guardians is that this is also a good time to talk to your children about firearm safety,” said DA Boston.
The District Attorney’s Office has launched a Gun Safety webpage with tips and a video demonstrating how to properly use a gun safe. More information can be found at https://www.dekalbda.org/gun_safety/index.php.
Before the start of the school year, staff from the DA’s Office attended two back-to-school events where they spoke with hundreds of people about firearm safety. At these events, 80 gun safes were distributed to families with children in City Schools of Decatur and DeKalb County School District schools.
The distribution of gun safes and locks was made possible through a partnership between the DA’s Office and the DeKalb County Human Services Department, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.
Gun safes are available at the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office located at 556 N. McDonough Street, Suite 700, Decatur, GA 30030. They can be picked up Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested are encouraged to call 404-371-2561 ahead of time to check availability.