Governor Stein Promotes Safe Firearm Storage

Gov. Josh Stein is highlighting statewide efforts to encourage secure firearm storage as North Carolina observes NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action, held June 1–7.

North Carolina does not have a general state law mandating that all firearms must be locked at home, nor is there a requirement that locks be included with a firearm sale. However, the state does have Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws. Due to rising rates of gun thefts from parked vehicles and tragic youth shootings, there has been a heavy push for voluntary safe storage. State initiatives like NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) and local law enforcement actively distribute free gun locks and storage guidelines to residents.

The initiative is run through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and promotes voluntary safe storage practices, including the use of gun locks and secure storage devices distributed through community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and public health partners.

State officials say the campaign is intended to reduce preventable shootings, youth access to firearms, and gun thefts. Data released as part of the initiative shows 92 firearm-related deaths among children in 2024, along with 525 emergency department visits. Officials also report nearly 11,000 firearms were stolen in North Carolina between 2019 and 2024.

“An unlocked gun is a tragedy waiting to happen,” Stein said, urging residents to take steps to secure firearms in the home.

Deputy Secretary William Lassiter said safe storage remains one of the most effective tools for preventing firearm-related harm and emphasized expanding access to gun locks statewide.

Since launching in 2023, NC S.A.F.E. has distributed more than 175,000 gun locks across North Carolina through schools, community events, and partner agencies.

The program is presented by state officials as a public safety campaign focused on voluntary compliance and is not tied to changes in existing firearm ownership or carry laws.

The announcement comes as gun policy continues to be debated in Raleigh, including proposals such as SB 50 Freedom to Carry NC, which would expand concealed carry without a permit requirement. It was vetoed by the governor. The measure remains under legislative discussion in the General Assembly for a possible veto override.

NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action events are taking place in counties across the state, including Buncombe, Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Jackson, Jones, Pitt, and Surry, with continued outreach efforts beyond the designated week, the governor's office said.

More information on the initiative is available at ncsafe.org.