Firearm owners are more likely to consider temporary out-of-home storage when worried about the safety of others, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed 3,018 U.S. adults living in households with firearms to understand their willingness to temporarily store their firearms outside the home.
The findings revealed that firearm owners prioritize the safety of household members over their own self-protection when deciding whether to temporarily store their firearms outside the home. Many respondents expressed concerns about leaving their home defenseless while also wanting to ensure the safety of their loved ones.
Lead author of the study, Jennifer Paruk, a postdoctoral fellow at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, emphasized the importance of voluntary, temporary storage options for firearm owners. The study showed that firearm owners and their family members were more willing to store their firearms with retailers, with 34% of respondents indicating a willingness to store their firearms with law enforcement agencies.
To increase willingness for voluntary, temporary out-of-home storage, the researchers suggested installing lockers within firearm retailers. They also highlighted the availability of online maps in some states that show firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies willing to accept temporary storage requests.
In New Jersey, experts at the Gun Violence Research Center have developed a firearm storage map based on 2021 data, providing locations throughout the state for temporary, voluntary firearm storage. This map aims to make it easier for firearm owners to find secure storage options when needed.
The study, titled “Owner Willingness to Temporarily Store Firearms With Firearm Retailers and Law Enforcement Agencies,” underscores the importance of promoting safe storage practices among firearm owners. By emphasizing the role of voluntary, temporary storage in keeping loved ones safe, providers can help address concerns about firearm safety in households.
For more information on the study, you can access the full article in JAMA Network Open with DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21921. The research was conducted by Rutgers University and highlights the importance of responsible firearm storage practices for ensuring the safety of households and communities.
