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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF GAHANNA, OHIO ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, FIREARM EDUCATION, AND THE SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS
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WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gahanna, Ohio recognizes the ongoing effects and impact of violence involving firearms and other dangerous ordnances in the United States, State of Ohio, Franklin County, and City of Gahanna; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, as of 2021, Ohio has a Firearm Injury Death Rate of 16.5 per 100,000 (27th in the U.S.) with 1,911 firearm injury deaths reported in 2021; and
WHEREAS, the City Council shares concerns with the Gahanna Jefferson School District expressed in its February 22, 2024 Firearm Storage Resolution regarding the threat posed by unsecured firearms and youth access to firearms and dangerous ordnances; and
WHEREAS, an estimated nearly 5 million children in the United States live in homes with unsecured, loaded firearms; and
WHEREAS, most unintentional firearm-related shootings among children occur in or around the home, and most teen suicide deaths that occur by firearm are using guns belonging to a family member, and up to 80 percent of youth school shooters obtain their guns from their own home, a relative’s home, or a friend’s home; and
WHEREAS, research demonstrates that strong child firearm access prevention initiatives, responsible gun owners implementing best practices, and community education on firearm storage are associated with a significant reduction in unintentional shootings, suicides, and youth-related shootings; and
WHEREAS, direction from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Everytown for Gun Safety, Mothers for Murdered Columbus Children (“MOMCC”), the New England Journal of Medicine, and the City of Gahanna Division of Police strongly encourage storing firearms locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition to reduce the risk of unsupervised access to firearms by children and teens; and
WHEREAS, this City Council recognizes and commends the Gahanna Division of Police for offering free gun locks and safe storage materials, as well as the recent efforts of the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools to create materials and communication on safe storage and firearm safety for students, teachers, staff, and parents across the district.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the Council urges diverse community organizations to raise awareness that secure gun storage, storing guns locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition can prevent theft and access by children, unauthorized users, and anyone who may pose a danger to themselves or others, and that teaching gun safety and secure gun storage practices can save children’s lives; and
Section 2. That the City of Gahanna will work with community organizations to raise awareness about gun safety and safe firearm storage and encourage community organizations to collaborate in furtherance of these goals; and
Section 3. That the City of Gahanna commits itself to exploring opportunities to better promote the safe and responsible ownership and storage of firearms through coordinated efforts such as offering gun locks and safes to residents, offering firearm safety training and educational classes, by working with state and local governmental and law enforcement agencies, and by partnering with community organizations and advocacy organizations to promote firearm training and safety through Gahanna.