Gun Safety

Firearms have become the leading cause of death in children and teens in the United States. Mass shootings across Texas and the nation have captured headlines. What we hear less frequently about are the many firearm injuries that occur because guns aren't safely stored—the result–gun-related suicides, unintentional discharges and firearm theft.

GunSafety4Bexar

Bexar County and University Health are collaborating to save lives through our partnership, GunSafety4Bexar. Together, we can prevent many of these tragedies by promoting safe gun storage.

Through this website, you will find locations and events for free gun lock distributions, which are open to the public.

We’ll keep you informed about other efforts to prevent unintentional firearm injuries, and you’ll find information you can use to prevent injuries in your own homes.

Free Gun Locks

Find a free gun lock distribution location near you in the list below. Call ahead to ensure availability.

Firearm Safety Additional Resources

Safe firearm storage in homes with Alzheimer's or dementia patients

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia lead to a loss of ability to think, reason and remember. Nearly one-third of people with dementia exhibit combative behavior over the course of their illness, and if they have access to guns, family members and caregivers may be at risk. Caregivers can usually manage aggressive behavior and prevent significant harm. But if a person with Alzheimer's has access to a gun, they and other people in the home may be at risk.

It is important for families to safely store firearms in their homes. The Alzheimer’s Association has additional recommendations.

Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation: Giving up the guns when a family member has Alzheimer’s
Kaiser Health News: Unlocked and Loaded: Families Confront Dementia and Guns
PBS News Hour: How the families of gun owners with dementia grapple with safety

Kids can find anything. Make sure they can't find a gun

One in three homes with children in America have firearms, and many are stored unlocked or unloaded. By storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition, firearm owners can help reduce the number of children who find guns and shoot themselves or someone else.

Recognize Depression

Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse increase the risk of suicide. Suicides account for nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths in the United States.

Many who take their own lives use firearms found in their own homes or in those of relatives and friends. Suicides can often be prevented when guns are unloaded and locked, with ammunition stored in a separate location.

More Resources

Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak with someone and get help.

Pickup Locations

ABC of Southwest Texas
217 Howard Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-227-0170
When: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Bexar County ESD #2 Fire Department
14515 Omicron Drive
San Antonio, TX 78245
Phone: 210-688-2406
Email: public.relations@bc2fd.org
When: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

BiblioTech East
1203 N Walters St
San Antonio, TX 78202
Phone: 210-631-0230
When: Monday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday: Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

BiblioTech West
2003 S Zarzamora St
San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 210-631-0190
When: Monday – Friday: Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Big Mama’s Safe House - East
214 Bluebonnet Street,
San Antonio, TX 78202
Phone: 210-281-5259
When: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Big Mama’s Safe House - The Alazan Hub
100 Casanova St
San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 210-326-4662
When: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Eastside Education and Training Center (EETC)
4551 Dietrich Road
San Antonio, TX 78219
Phone: 210-485-0848
When: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kirby Fire Department
Kirby Fire Department Building
5560 Duffek Drive
San Antonio, TX 78219
Phone: 210-661-2612
When: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SACADA -San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness
South Texas Centre-Dave Coy Building
7500 Hwy 90 W #201
San Antonio, TX 78227
Phone: 210-225-4741
When: Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.