Saskatchewan Firearms Office starting public awareness campaign

On the same day a province-wide gun amnesty is set to begin, the Saskatchewan Firearms Office is to start a public awareness campaign aimed at promoting the safe use and storage of firearms.

From Monday until the end of April, ads will run on social media, websites and local radio stations to remind people of their responsibilities as gun owners.

“Responsible firearms owners are licensed and ensure their firearms and ammunition are safely secured, helping to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of theft and loss,” chief firearms officer Robert Freberg said in a media release.

“Following proper firearms safety tips and storage practices will not only keep you and your loved ones safe; they also ensure the safety and well-being of our communities across the province.”

The office offered a number of safety tips for gun owners, including:

• Have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL);
• Learn basic information about your firearm, including how to safely handle, load and secure it;
• Ensure unauthorized persons cannot access the keys or combination lock used to secure your firearms unless they have their PAL licence and are permitted to use the firearms;
• Unload all firearms when not in use and before they are stored;
• Use a locked cabinet or safe to store your firearms. For non-restricted firearms, you can attach a secure locking device, such as a trigger or cable lock;
• Store ammunition separately from all firearms or ensure ammunition is kept in a locked safe or cabinet;
• Always use the correct ammunition for your firearm; and
• Never point a firearm at anyone or anything that you don’t intend to shoot.

Anyone travelling with a gun is reminded to:

• Make arrangements to secure your firearms at the hotel, motel, etc. you are staying at;
• Don’t store your firearms in an unoccupied vehicle overnight;
• Park in well-lit locations where your vehicle can be easily seen by yourself and others when stopping at gas stations and restaurants;
• Always have the firearm unloaded with an appropriate locking device installed properly on the firearms; and
• Ensure the vehicle is locked and all firearms are out of view from those outside the vehicle.