Secure Storage
Secure firearm storage involves storing firearms unloaded, separate from ammunition, and locked through a variety of methods. This decreases unauthorized access to firearms and ammunition, reducing intentional and unintentional firearm-related injuries and deaths among children and others. In this section, learn more about secure firearm storage methods as well as specific information on secure storage laws in Michigan. This section also provides guidance for healthcare professionals, schools, and families on how to implement secure storage practices in their communities.
What is Secure Storage
Secure firearm storage involves storing firearms unloaded, separate from ammunition and locked through various methods. It is an important practice that reduces the risk of firearm-related injuries. When both firearms and ammunition are stored securely, children have a 78% lower risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries and an 85% lower risk of unintentional firearm injuries. One study estimated that if half of households with unlocked guns switched to locking them, one third of youth gun suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented. Secure firearm storage leads to reductions in intentional and unintentional firearm-related injuries and deaths among children and others, and lower rates of firearm theft.
Michigan’s Secure Storage Law
On February 13, 2024, Michigan enacted a new secure storage law. Michigan’s secure storage law is a Child Access Prevention, or CAP, law. CAP laws require firearm owners to securely store their firearms when a minor is, or is likely to be, present. This applies to both storing firearms at home or when leaving firearms unattended elsewhere.
To ensure firearms are stored securely in accordance with the law, they must be:
- Stored in a locked box or container, AND/OR
- Unloaded and locked with a locking device, AND/OR
- Stored in a locked box or container and/or unloaded and locked with a locking device in a locked car.
Penalties
Misdemeanor
It is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or jail time if, because a firearm was left unsecured or unsafely stored, a child obtained the firearm and either possessed it in public or possessed it in a careless, reckless, or threatening manner around someone else.
Felony
It is a felony punishable by fines and/or jail time if, because a firearm was left unsecured or unsafely stored, a child obtained the firearm and either wounded or killed themselves or someone else with it.
Exceptions
It is not illegal for a minor to access a firearm with a parent or guardian’s permission and while being supervised by their parent, guardian, or another authorized adult in certain circumstances. These include:
- Hunting
- Ranching
- Farming
- Target practice
- Gun safety instruction
- If required for the minor’s job
A firearm owner is not in violation of the secure storage law if a minor obtains their firearm for the purpose of lawful self-defense or defense of another, or if a minor breaks into a firearm owner’s property and steals a firearm.
Learn More about Michigan’s Secure Storage Law
Secure Storage Methods
A variety of devices can be used to store firearms securely, reducing unauthorized access. The most appropriate method varies based on the storage circumstances. In all cases, firearms should be unloaded and stored separately from ammunition. The information below provides descriptions, effects, and strengths of different secure storage methods.
Cable Lock
Cable Locks
Cable locks are widely available and can be used on most firearms. Cable locks can be inserted through the barrel, action, or magazine well of a firearm to prevent firing, requiring a key or combination to be removed. Allows for easy access and reduces the likelihood of theft, but can generally be dismantled relatively easily, reducing effectiveness with older children and adults.
Price Range: $10 – $50
Trigger Lock
Trigger Locks
Locks the trigger of a firearm. Ammunition needs to be removed. Allows for easy access and reduces the likelihood of theft, but can generally be dismantled relatively easily, reducing effectiveness with older children and adults.
Price Range: $10 – $75
Lock Box
Lock Boxes and Gun Cases
Lock boxes and gun cases are smaller and more portable than gun safes, yet still prevent access by children and unauthorized users by locking a firearm in a secure container. Lock boxes typically come with integrated locks which can be manual or biometric, but gun cases may need an external lock such as a padlock to ensure security.
Price Range: $25 – $300
Gun Safe
Gun Safes and Cabinets
Gun safes or cabinets allow for storage of multiple weapons, preventing access by unauthorized users, including children, and theft. Safes and cabinets are sturdy and offer some of the most secure storage options for firearms. Locks can be manual via key or combination or use biometric data. While not typically easily transportable, safes and cabinets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be placed anywhere in the home that the firearm owner chooses. Specially made safes are also available for vehicle storage.
Price Range: $100 – $2000+
Out-of-Home Storage
Out-of-Home Storage
Out-of-home storage can be the most effective and appropriate method of secure storage in certain cases. Firearm storage may be available at business storage lockers, self-storage rental units, existing armories, and pawn shops. Specific requirements, processes, and prices of storage in these locations can vary by state and individual location.
Disassembling firearms is the most secure way to reduce the risk of firearm injury.
Firearm disassembly can be paired with all of the above secure storage methods. Disassembling the firearm into component parts, along with the removal of key elements, will prevent quick unauthorized use.
Secure Storage in the Home
Firearm-related injuries and deaths are a public health crisis, especially for children and teens. Children and teens are a high risk group for unintentional firearm injury and death as well as firearm suicide, and more than 4 and a half million children live in a household with an insecurely stored firearm. In this section, find resources for parents and other family members for best firearm storage practices. This section provides resources for family and household members for best firearm storage practices.
The facts:
Over one-third of adolescents in a firearm-owning household report being able to access a loaded firearm within 5 minutes.
When both firearms and ammunition are stored safely, children have a 78% lower risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries and an 85% lower risk of unintentional firearm injuries.
One study estimated that if half of households with unlocked guns switched to locking them, one third of youth gun suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented.
Around 75% of perpetrators of school shootings obtained their firearm from their home or the home of a close relative.
Resources for Families
Secure Storage for Schools
In 2025, Michigan passed legislation colloquially referred to as the “Safe Homes, Safe Schools” law. Safe Homes, Safe Schools requires school districts to provide their students’ parents with information about secure firearm storage. Secure firearm storage is a leading way to prevent access to firearms by children or teens who might use them to harm themselves or others. Schools are uniquely poised to speak to caregivers about this important and potentially life-saving measure to help keep children and their communities safe.
Resources for Schools:
MDHHS Safe Storage Resources for Schools
MDHHS and MDE collaborated to provide schools with a comprehensive list of secure storage resources that schools can share with their communities ss part of their Safe Homes, Safe Schools programming.
Michigan Secure Firearm Storage Guide for Families & Caregivers of School-Aged Children
This practical, easy-to-use guide from the Michigan School Safety Initiative is designed to help families learn how they can prevent unauthorized access to firearms.
Michigan School Safety Initiative
The Michigan School Safety Initiative promotes school safety and violence prevention in schools across Michigan. The initiative offers one-on-one support and technical assistance, evidence-based safety approaches, and educational resources for schools.
National Center for School Safety
The National Center for School Safety seeks to improve school safety and prevent school violence. The center offers informational resources, guides, and training that can be adapted by schools and communities to promote school safety.
Conversation Starters about Firearm Safety
It is important that families and caregivers have conversations with other households about firearm ownership and storage practices before a child enters the home. The resources listed can be shared with caregivers and offer guidance on initiating and maintaining those conversations.
Resources
Why and How You Should Ask Other Parents if They Own Guns
This article from John Hopkins School of Public Health offers guidance on starting conversations with other caregivers about the presence and storage of firearms in the home. The article provides tips on making these conversations more comfortable and approachable while still ensuring the safety and comfort of children when they enter another home.
This guide explains the importance of asking family, friends, and other community members about their firearm storage. Caregivers and other community members can also find tips on how to ask the questions that help keep kids safe.
Talking to Your Children About Guns
This resource from the Be SMART Program offers suggestions on how to talk to young children and adolescents about firearm safety, explains the risk of unintentional firearm injury in children, and stresses the importance of secure firearm storage.
Crisis Help Resources
If you or someone you love is experiencing a crisis, there are resources available to help. In this section learn about local Michigan crisis support resources, both statewide and county-specific, as well as some nationwide crisis resources. See a more comprehensive list of nationwide resources.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you are experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please text or call 988.
MDHHS Suicide Coalitions and Crisis Lines
The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services provides a comprehensive list of suicide prevention coalitions and crisis lines across the Great Lakes State. In this resource, find a list of county-specific resources available for those in crisis and their loved ones.
Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline
Michigan’s Sexual Assault Hotline is a confidential, anonymous, 24/7 hotline to help sexual assault survivors and their loved ones. The Hotline has trained advocates available to provide support, crisis counseling, and referrals to local service providers. Call 1-855-864-2374 or text 1-866-238-1454 to get in contact.
Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking in Michigan. To get in contact with advocates, call 855-VOICES4 for survivors of sexual assault, and call 866-VOICEDV for survivors of domestic violence.
Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL)
The Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) is the statewide crisis and access line. MiCAL is a 988 call center and is primarily responsible for answering 988 calls originating from Michigan. Text or call 988 to receive 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources.
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and then press 1, or text 838255, to receive 24/7 crisis support specifically for veterans and their loved ones. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to utilize this service.