Lake County proclaims Safe Gun Storage Month, highlights free gun-lock distribution and state law

The Lake County Board on Sept. 9 adopted a resolution declaring September 2025 Safe Gun Storage Month and encouraged residents, educators, physicians and parents to learn about safe-storage options including cable locks, trigger locks, lock boxes and safes.

Member Kanishnick read the resolution noting national statistics, including that firearms account for a large share of suicides and that children often access unsecured home firearms. The resolution also cited the Illinois Safe Gun Storage Act, enacted July 28, 2025, which requires firearms be secured in a locked container so they are inaccessible to anyone other than the owner or a lawfully authorized user.

Several board members and Sheriff John Hill spoke at the meeting. Member Kneesnick (phonetic spelling in record) emphasized that the state law does not require securing guns in vehicles and urged residents to take additional precautions to lock firearms in cars. Member Wasik and others pointed listeners to the Lake County State's Attorney's Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, which arranges free distribution of gun locks countywide.

Sheriff Hill accepted a recognition on behalf of law enforcement and reiterated the department's efforts to educate the public about locking firearms and keeping them out of reach of children. Board members emphasized that safe storage also reduces suicide risk and encouraged public-health partnerships such as the county's suicide prevention task force.