YW3CA Partners with Local Police to Reduce Household Firearm Accidents
YWCA Tri-County Area is giving away free gun locks in collaboration with the Pottstown Police Department and Project ChildSafe to combat household gun accidents and encourage safe and responsible gun ownership. Community members can anonymously request free gun locks that would help prevent accidental discharges from occurring. Director of Trauma Prevention Services, Kristie Piacine, said, “We’re incredibly pleased to announce this important collaboration with the Pottstown Borough Police. Chief Markovich and Lt. Long have been instrumental in helping us navigate inventory opportunities.”
Recent statistics show that household gun incidents have become a local issue that needs attention. In Montgomery County, 3 in 4 children ages 5 to 14 know where firearms are kept within their house. Additionally, 80% of unintentional firearm deaths involving kids under 15 occur within their own home. *
“Our aim is to make sure gun owners in the greater Pottstown area know they have FREE safety gun locks available upon request, no questions asked. Call us, email us… we give you a date range for pickup here at our 315 King Street location.” Kristie Piacine, Director of Trauma Prevention Services. People who request a gun lock will be provided with a Project ChildSafe Child’s Pledge and a Suicide Prevention pamphlet for further education on how to keep children safe within the household. Ensuring that people are informed about the dangers of neglecting firearm precautions is an important step to prevent future accidents.
Schedule a pickup by contacting Trauma Prevention Services by emailing tps@ywcatricountyarea.org or by calling (610) 323-1888 x253. Learn more about how to get involved by visiting yw3ca.org
About YWCA Tri County Area
The YWCA Tri County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through a range of programs and services, the YWCA strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
*Statistics provided by https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/2620/Gun-Violence-Prevention
