Firearms safety kits include a safety brochure that covers a variety of options for firearms storage and a free cable-style gun lock.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced at the Project Safe Neighborhoods Convention in Philadelphia, January 2003, that the National Shooting Sports Foundation will administer Project ChildSafe, a nationwide firearm safety program. “Because of Project HomeSafe’s experience and expertise we are able to couple our lock giveaway efforts with gun safety education so that parents can understand the importance of keeping guns secure,” said Richard R. Nedelkoff, director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the DOJ division overseeing a $50 million grant to NSSF supporting this project.

From left:
Bill Brassard Jr., NSSF’s managing director, communications, safety and education; Atty. Gen. Ashcroft; John Badowski, NSSF; and Dave Bean of the Bean Agency that coordinates Project ChildSafe Safety Tours.

In 2002, Project HomeSafe succeeded in distributing 2.4 million safety kits to 44 states and has significantly raised awareness of firearms safety and responsibility. “We are proud to say that, since its grassroots beginning in 1999, Project HomeSafe became the largest, most comprehensive firearms safety education program in the nation thanks to the enthusiastic support Project Homesafe received from high-ranking government officials and law enforcement officers in communities across America,” said Doug Painter, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

President Bush with Doug Painter, NSSF president

Project ChildSafe will partner with governors, U.S. Attorneys and local law enforcement to bring safety messages to gun owners nationwide and to provide millions more of the free firearm safety kits that include a gun locking device to families in all 50 states and in five U.S. Territories. Project ChildSafe complements the efforts of Project Safe Neighborhoods to reduce gun violence by providing a prevention component that encourages safe handling and proper storage of firearms in the home. “President Bush learned about Project HomeSafe when he was governor of Texas, launched it there as Project ChildSafe and pledged to expand its scope and support if he was elected president. He’s delivering on that pledge now, and NSSF is honored to be selected to administer this timely and valuable safety program,” said Bill Brassard Jr., NSSF managing director, communications, safety and education.