Firearm safety

In 2010, over 31,000 people in the United States died as a result of firearms. The majority of these deaths were suicides and homicides. Of the 31,672 deaths attributed to firearms in 2010, 61% were suicides and 35% were homicides.
...CDC National Vital Statistics System, August 2012

In Washington State, from 2006 to 2010:

• 2,803 residents died from a firearm injury, including 195 youths and children ages 19 and younger.
  ...Washington State Dept. of Health, Fatal Injury Data Tables, August 2012
  
  
• 1,503 residents were hospitalized for nonfatal firearm injuries, including 316 youths and children ages 19 and younger.
  ..Washington State Dept. of Health, Nonfatal Injury Data Tables, August 2012

In King County, from 2006 to 2010:

• 635 residents died from a firearm injury, including 47 youth and children ages 19 and younger.
  ...Washington State Dept. of Health, Fatal Injury Data Tables, August 2012
  
  
• An additional 503 residents were hospitalized for nonfatal firearm injuries, including 113 youth and children ages 19 and younger.
  ..Washington State Dept. of Health, Nonfatal Injury Data Tables, August 2012

Safe storage of firearms:

Firearm-related injuries and fatalities can be prevented. Safe firearm storage is an important step for firearm-related injury prevention and a widely recognized practice to keep homes safe. LOK-IT-UP raises awareness about the importance of safe firearm storage for family and community safety.

In conjunction with the LOK-IT-UP campaign, Public Health – Seattle & King County has created a training module to teach health care providers how to speak to patients about safe storage. For a copy of the module or for more information, please contact us at 206-263-8160.