San Diego prepares for gun safe storage ordinance

SAN DIEGO – Starting February 25, an ordinance will go into effect in San Diego requiring that all firearms must be stored safely.

The county reported that this provision requires that all weapons in homes or structures near a home be secured with a padlock or locked in a container. The only exception is if the firearm is under the immediate control of an authorized person.

“The safe storage of firearms saves lives and prevents gun violence. Last year we introduced the measure. Earlier this year the regulations were finalized, and now we are delivering on our promise. Common sense and safe storage guidelines going into effect in our unincorporated areas will keep families safe, especially children,” said Nathan Fletcher, chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

Acting Sheriff Kelly Martinez said this ordinance is an important safety measure that can provide critical time between when someone has an impulse and takes action.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 117 children and teens were unintentionally killed with firearms, and more than 1,160 minors took their own lives using these devices in the United States during 2019.

In the same year, 54 children and adolescents died by suicide in California due to the use of firearms. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide is higher in households where a loaded or unlocked firearm is kept.

Because of the above, the ordinance is applicable for all unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Safe storage was approved on January 25, 2022 and regulates not only non-serialized firearms, but also non-serialized precursor parts, commonly known as ghost guns.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff