North Carolina Urges Gun Safety in New Week of Action

Goldsboro, NC – North Carolina has launched its annual “Week of Action” focused on safe gun storage, emphasizing how responsible firearm ownership can prevent accidents, suicides, and unauthorized access, especially among children and teens. This campaign has drawn attention across the state, including in Goldsboro, where community leaders, parents, law enforcement, and health professionals are joining hands to raise awareness.

This initiative is led by North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) in partnership with local law enforcement and nonprofit organizations. The focus is clear: if you own a gun, you must store it safely — away from children, teens, or anyone who should not have access to it.
Learn more about NCDHHS’ role in gun safety efforts here.

Gun Storage Matters: Real Risks Require Real Action

Gun violence remains a serious issue in North Carolina. According to data from the CDC, firearm-related injuries are a leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Many of these incidents involve guns that were left loaded and unsecured in homes.

“Most gun deaths among youth are preventable, and it starts at home,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, former NCDHHS Secretary. “It’s not just about having a gun — it’s about storing it in a way that keeps your family safe.”

Experts emphasize using gun safes, trigger locks, and storing ammunition separately. These are not just recommendations but lifesaving habits that can prevent both accidental shootings and intentional self-harm.
Find out how trigger locks and gun safes work.

Goldsboro Takes Initiative in Community Gun Safety Events

In Goldsboro, local law enforcement and health workers hosted events across the city to educate families about safe storage practices. Free gun locks and safety kits were distributed at community centers and schools.

Chief Michael West of the Goldsboro Police Department noted, “This isn’t about politics. It’s about safety. A secured weapon can’t be accidentally fired by a child or stolen by someone with bad intentions.”

Community events included:

• Free safety seminars for parents and guardians
• Partnerships with schools to send safety flyers home
• Free firearm storage tools for residents
  Visit Goldsboro Police Department’s safety page for more info.

A Week of Awareness, A Year of Impact

The “Week of Action” is part of a broader campaign called NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively). This state-wide program runs year-round, but the Week of Action brings added urgency.

Key messages of the campaign:

• Always lock firearms when not in use
• Store guns and ammunition separately
• Talk to your children about gun safety
• Ask other parents if guns are in their homes before playdates

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, homes with properly stored guns are significantly less likely to experience gun-related accidents involving children.
More information about safe firearm storage for families is available here.

Local Voices: Why Gun Safety Hits Home in Goldsboro

Residents in Goldsboro have shared their personal reasons for joining the campaign. Angela Simmons, a mother of two, said, “I never thought I needed to lock my gun. But after learning how easily tragedies happen, I realized I couldn’t take that risk.”

Her story is not uncommon. Many gun owners nationwide admit they didn’t use proper safety methods until learning about accidental shootings in their communities.

For veterans, gun safety is also tied to mental health awareness. As many as 70% of veteran suicides involve firearms, and advocates believe gun storage laws can save lives.
Explore more on gun safety and veteran suicide prevention.

Gun Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

The message coming out of Goldsboro and the wider North Carolina community is simple: Gun safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are a gun owner or not, awareness can save lives.

Schools, churches, local businesses, and law enforcement agencies are working together to make safe gun storage the norm — not the exception.

The “Week of Action” may only last seven days, but its purpose is to create long-term behavioral change. Keeping firearms away from unauthorized users is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent unnecessary harm.

Call to Action: What You Can Do Today

If you are a gun owner or live in a household where firearms are present:

• Buy a gun safe or trigger lock
• Have conversations with your children about gun safety
• Support community programs that promote firearm education
• Ask other parents if their guns are stored safely before sending your child to their house

Goldsboro’s participation in this statewide campaign is a shining example of how local actions can help make lasting changes in public safety and health.
For more resources, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety or reach out to your local police department.

Final Thoughts

The “Week of Action” in North Carolina is more than just a campaign — it’s a reminder that a few simple steps can save countless lives. In a state where gun ownership is high and community values run deep, combining both through responsible storage can make homes safer for everyone.

As Goldsboro continues to lead by example, residents are being urged to take action — not out of fear, but out of care for those they love.

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