Firearm Safety: Lock Box and Cable Lock

Article Translations: (Spanish) (Hmong) (Somali)

Firearms (guns) are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States under the age of 18. When children have access to firearms in the home, the risk of accidental shootings, suicide, and homicide are higher. If your home has a firearm, hiding it alone is not enough to keep your child safe.  

All guns in your home must be unloaded (no ammunition or ammo) and locked. The ammo needs to be locked and stored separately. Do not keep loaded, unlocked guns in your vehicle or any other property. There are many storage options for guns available, including a safe, lockbox, or cable locks. Use a storage type that works for you, and that will be used consistently. 

How do I use a safe or lockbox? 

A safe or lockbox is a small box where the gun is placed and only opens with a physical key, passcode, or biometric (fingerprints, facial recognition) once locked. 

Follow these instructions when using a lock box with a physical key. 

Before: 

• Always store ammo safely and separately from the gun. 
• Be sure there are no bullets inside the gun. 

Locking: 

• Locate the key to unlock the box. Insert the key in the keyhole and turn to open the box. 
• Double check there are no bullets in the gun before placing them in the box. 
• Place the gun inside the box. 
• Close and lock the box. Make sure the box closes evenly before locking again. 

After: 

• Hide the key. Keep it in a safe place only adults can find. 
• Put the locked box somewhere high up or in a hidden spot where kids cannot reach it. Make sure it’s away from where kids play.  
• Remember: Only allow adults to handle the box and unlock it. 

How do I use a cable lock? 

A cable lock includes a long cable that is attached to a lock and goes through the gun’s trigger or chamber. This will stop the trigger from moving or the gun from firing. For the cable lock to work, ammunition must be out of the gun. 

Follow these instructions or watch this video (external link) when using a cable lock. 

Before: 

• Always store ammo safely and separately from the gun. 
• Be sure there are no bullets inside the gun. 

Locking: 

• Locate the key to unlock the cable lock. Insert the key in the keyhole and turn to release the cable from the lock. 
• Double check there are no bullets in the gun. 
• Insert the cable up through the gun’s trigger or through the gun’s chamber. This will stop the trigger from moving or the gun from firing. 
• Take the ends of the cable and put them into the lock. Twist the lock key to secure it. Make sure it is locked tight! 

After: 

• Once the lock is in place, place the gun in a safe spot away where kids cannot reach it. Make sure it is away from where kids play.  
• Keep the key in a safe place where only adults can get to it.  
• Remember: Only allow adults to handle the box and unlock it. 

Questions? 

This information is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. 

Last reviewed 02/2026 

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