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Maryland Center For School Safety

Safe Gun Storage

Maryland law requires that firearms be stored safely where and in a way that unsupervised minors can’t access them. MCSS in partnership with the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Department of Health make resources available to the community promoting safe gun storage. 

Resources & Support

The following resources are intended to supplement information in support of a comprehensive approach to school safety.

Project Child Safe

This firearm safety education program serves as the official firearm safety initiative of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The aim is to offer effective firearm safety solutions tailored to every community.

Learn about securing your firearm

Maryland Safe Storage Map

This map is designed to help community members find local options for temporary, voluntary firearm storage.

See the Maryland Safe Storage Map ​

Center for Gun Violence Solutions

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University, along with advocates at the Center for Gun Violence Solutions, have championed safe storage practices nationwide. They have produce studies and resources analyzing the effects of child access prevention laws on gun-related injuries and fatalities among youth.

Center for Gun Violence Solutions

Maryland Department of Health resources

The Maryland Department of Health provides guidelines on safely storing firearms to prevent youth access and outlines strategies for suicide prevention.

Firearm Safe Storage & Youth Suicide Prevention​ - PDF

Red Flag Laws

Red flag laws are Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which are designed to prevent gun violence. They allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from people deemed a threat to themselves or others based on credible evidence of danger. 

  • The District Court of Maryland provides in depth explanations on what ERPOs are, how they are used in the state of Maryland, the process to file a petition, and more. 

  • The National ERPO Resource Center is a U.S. Department of Justice initiative that provides resources, training, and guidance on Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs).