HOUSTON – After a series of tragedies this year involving youth and guns, Houston police officers are making sure parents know what needs to be done to keep firearms out of their hands.
On Sunday, the Houston Police Department held an event at Eastwood Park and invited families to have fun and learn about gun safety.
Earlier this month, two children in Harris County were killed in separate accidental shootings.
Since May, KPRC 2 has reported on several incidents involving guns and children.
Officials say parents need to make sure if they have guns that they are secure, they should also model responsible behaviors around guns.
At the event, HPD provided gun locks for parents which provides an extra step and makes sure the gun is not discharged.
Officer Josephine Jones, who serves as the LGBT Liaison of the Houston Police Department Office of Community Affairs, explains how the lock is used.
“Thread this through the barrel of your gun, and that way there can’t be a bullet in there,” Jones said. “You can lock it, put the keys somewhere, and make sure no gun is accidentally discharged. It’s just one way we can help keep Houston safe.”
Officers Jones says every year, about 4,000 guns are stolen out of cars and officials encourage drivers to lock guns inside of a safe.