California Law Regarding Safe Storage of Firearms
From the Office of the Superintendent – Rauna Fox
Westmorland Union Elementary School District
Why This Matters
The Westmorland Union Elementary School District is committed to student safety. As required by California Education Code Section 49392, we are informing our school community about the law regarding the safe storage of firearms.
74% of children know where their parents’ firearms are stored
60% have handled them
Over 80% of teens who have died by suicide used a firearm from their home
These tragedies can be prevented. The safest approach is to keep firearms locked and store ammunition separately.
Summary of California Firearm Storage Laws
With very limited exceptions, it is a crime in California to:
Keep a firearm (loaded or unloaded) within any premises under your control if you know or should know a child is likely to gain access without parental/guardian permission, and the child:
Causes death or injury to themselves or others
Takes the firearm to a public place, including any preschool, K–12 school, or school event
Unlawfully brandishes the firearm to others
Note: Penalties are more severe if someone dies or suffers great bodily injury.
Negligently store or leave a firearm where a child is likely to gain access without permission—even if the child never actually obtains it—unless reasonable steps are taken to secure it.
Penalties
Possible fines and imprisonment
Loss of the right to possess or purchase a firearm for 10 years (for certain violations)
Civil liability for damages caused by a child’s discharge of a firearm
Local city or county laws may have additional safe storage requirements.
How to Comply
Store all firearms in a locked container
Use a locking device to render firearms inoperable when not in use
Store ammunition separately from firearms
Thank you for helping us keep our students and community safe.
For more information about California firearm storage laws, visit:
California Department of Justice – Firearm Safety