Safe, Secure, and Responsible: Let’s Talk About Firearm Safety

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Fairfax County, VA – Whether you’re new to firearms or a longtime owner, the way you store your firearm matters. Safe handling and secure storage, especially when you’re on the go, are keys to responsible ownership.

In Fairfax County and across the region, firearms left in unattended vehicles can be stolen and misused. Taking steps to secure your firearm will help to keep our community safe.

Safe Storage Tips

  • Don’t leave firearms in vehicles overnight.
  • Always store firearms unloaded in a locked container or safe.
  • Store ammunition separately.
  • Make sure firearms are never accessible to children, teens, or unauthorized adults.
  • Immediately report any stolen firearm to police.

Think Twice Before You Leave a Firearm in Your Car

Even if it’s just a quick stop, leaving a firearm unattended in your vehicle, especially in a glovebox or center console, dramatically increases the chance it will be stolen. If a gun is stolen from your car, it could later be used in robberies, assaults, or other violent acts.

Keep It Locked—Or Better Yet, Don’t Leave It

If circumstances require you to leave your firearm in a vehicle, take every precaution:

  • Unload it.
  • Secure it in a locked container.
  • Keep it completely out of sight.

Center consoles and gloveboxes, even when closed, are not secure storage options. When possible, bring your firearm inside and store it properly in a home safe or lockbox.

Know the Law: Protecting Children and Others

Virginia takes firearm safety seriously. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-56.2, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a way that endangers a child under 14.

While the law is specific to children, the principle applies to everyone: unauthorized access to firearms can be deadly, and responsible gun ownership means taking proactive steps to prevent it.

If You See Something, Say Something

Community safety is a shared responsibility. If you witness suspicious behavior, call the FCPD non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. For emergencies, call 911.

Let’s work together to ensure firearms stay out of the wrong hands and keep Fairfax County safe.

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