GunSafety4Bexar
Firearms have become the leading cause of death in children and teens in the U.S. Mass shootings across Texas and the nation have captured headlines. What we hear less frequently about are the many firearm injuries that occur because guns aren’t safely stored. The result–gun-related suicides, unintentional discharges and firearm theft.
A coalition of Bexar County organizations believe we can prevent many of these tragedies by promoting safe gun storage. That’s why Bexar County, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Be SMART for Kids, Safe Kids San Antonio, VIA and University Health are working to save lives through our partnership, GunSafety4Bexar.
Through this website, we’ll keep you updated on locations and events where gun locks will be distributed free of charge to the public. You can also notify us with your request for a gun lock.
We’ll keep you informed about other efforts to prevent unintentional firearm injuries, and you’ll find information you can use to prevent injuries in your own homes.
Request a safe gun storage presentation
Be SMART for Kids and Safe Kids San Antonio, led by University Health, will respond to requests for presentations on safe gun storage. Request a safe gun storage presentation.
Gun Safety Additional Resources
- Be SMART For Kids
- Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Programs
- Gun Safety 4 Bexar
- Kids Gun Safety Tips
One in three homes with children in America have guns, and many owners neglect to lock them or remove ammunition. Nine children or teens in our country are shot every day in gun-related events – over 3,000 youth every year. By storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition, firearm owners can help reduce the number of children who find guns and shoot themselves or someone else.
- American Academy of Pediatrics – Gun Safety and Children
- Before allowing your child in another home ask the adults: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?"
Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse increase the risk of suicide. Suicides account for nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths in the United States. Many who take their own lives use firearms found in their own homes or in those of relatives and friends. Suicides can often be prevented when guns are unloaded, locked and ammunition is stored in a separate location.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs
- Firearm Suicide in the United States
- Harvard Public Health: Guns & Suicide
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia lead to a loss in ability to think, reason and remember. Nearly one- third of people with dementia exhibit combative behavior over the course of their illness, and if they have access to guns, family members and caregivers may be at risk. It is important for families to safely store firearms in their homes. The Alzheimer’s Association has additional recommendations.
- Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation: Giving up the guns when a family member has Alzheimer’s
- Kaiser Health News: Unlocked and Loaded: Families Confront Dementia and Guns
- PBS News Hour – How the families of gun owners with dementia grapple with safety
GunSafety4Bexar, a program by University Health and Bexar County, is distributing gunlocks and gun cases to families with firearms. The goal is to reduce firearm injuries by urging owners to store their guns unloaded, locked and separate from ammunition.
One gunlock (as supplies last) and one gun case per household. Pre-registration is required.
Pickup Locations
Bethel International Christian Fellowship/Bethel Prevention Coalition
3447 NE Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78218
Phone: 210-651-3331
When: Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bexar County ESD #2 Fire Department
14515 Omicron Drive
San Antonio, TX 78245
Phone: 210-441-7156
When: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bexar County Sheriff’s Substation – East
8794 East Loop 1604 North
Converse, TX 78154
Phone: 210-335-5628
When: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bexar County Sheriff’s Substation – West
6825 Cagnon Road
San Antonio, TX 78252
Phone: 210-335-5275
When: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
BiblioTech East
1203 N Walters St
San Antonio, TX 78202
Phone: 210-631-0230
When: Monday – Friday: Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
BiblioTech West
2003 S Zarzamora St
San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 210-631-0190
When: Monday – Friday: Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
BiblioTech South
3505 Pleasanton Rd
San Antonio, TX 78221
Phone: 210-631-0180
When: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Big Mama’s Safe House
214 Bluebonnet Street,
San Antonio, TX 78202
Phone: 210-332-7298
When: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Eastside Education and Training Center (EETC)
4551 Dietrich Road
San Antonio, TX 78219
Phone: 210-485-0782
When: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SACADA -San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness
South Texas Centre-Dave Coy Building
7500 Hwy 90 W #201
San Antonio, TX 78227
Phone: 210-225-4741
When: Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
University Family Health Center Southwest
2121 SW 36th Street
San Antonio, TX 78237
Phone: 210-358-5163
When: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Southwest ISD School-based Health Clinic
11914 Dragon Lane, Building 303
San Antonio TX 78252
Phone: 210-644-7770
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
