Safe Firearm Storage
October, 2026
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Huron Valley Schools is proud to partner with The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide important information regarding Michigan's secure storage law, aimed at protecting children from firearm-related injuries. This law, also known as a Child Access Prevention (CAP) law, requires firearms to be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access by minors.
Requirement of the law
Under the law, if you leave a firearm unattended on your premises and know a minor (under 18 years old) is likely present, you must either store the firearm in a locked container or keep it unloaded and locked with a device. These requirements aim to prevent minors from accessing firearms.
Penalties for violating the law
Failure to comply with the law can result in criminal penalties, the severity of which depends on the outcome of a minor obtaining an unsecured firearm. Penalties range from a misdemeanor if a minor possesses the firearm to a felony if the discharge results in death.
Obtaining gun locks
Free cable gun locks may be available to Michigan residents at local MDHHS offices, local health departments, or local law enforcement agencies.
For more information, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website, Be Smart or Project ChildSafe's website.
What does the safe storage law require?
Starting February 13, 2024, every gun owner in Michigan has a new responsibility. If there are children in your premises (generally the home), your firearms must be safely stored.
Safe storage can either mean secured using a safety device, or on your person and under your control. This law applies even if the children are visiting your home, or you reasonably should have known that children would visit the home. The law also applies if you’re carrying a firearm and go to someplace else where there are children. You can either keep your firearm on you, under your control, or you can leave it securely stored in your car. The car must then be locked.
To learn more Click here
Secure firearms in your home and vehicles
Model responsible behavior around guns
Ask about the presence of unsecured firearms in other homes
Recognize the role of guns in suicide
Tell your peers to be S-M-A-R-T
Most Frequently Accessed Documents by School Communities