Social media platforms will see a new ad campaign on firearm safety from the Saskatchewan Firearms Office.

The ads were launched on March 20th, and focus on making sure people keep licenses current, give information on where to obtain a license, and guiding people to courses.

The Chief Firearms Officer for the Saskatchewan government Robert Freberg says the ads will also be targeting people who don’t own firearms and helping them understand that responsible owners who store their guns safely and have a license are not part of the problem.

In addition to social media, verbal advertisements will also appear on radio stations.

He says alongside the media campaign, the organization’s education campaign will see members going to events to speak, set up displays, and promoting the message of public safety.

The project also aims to make sure firearms owners store and secure their guns properly, as well as being good mentors to others to ensure public safety.

Tips from the Saskatchewan Firearms Office:

Unload and Lock Your Firearms

• Ensure firearms are unloaded at all times when stored.

• Lock the firearms in a cabinet, safe or room that was built or modified specifically to store firearms safely (and is difficult to break into); or, attach a secure locking device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock (or remove the bolt), so the firearms cannot be fired.

• Store ammunition separately or lock it up. It can be stored in the same locked gun cabinet/safe as the firearms only if they are securely locked and the container is constructed so that it cannot be readily broken into.

• Make sure unauthorized individuals do not have access to the keys or combination locks used to lock up your firearms and ammunition unless they are permitted and licensed.

While Travelling

Many responsible firearms owners in Saskatchewan enjoy hunting or travelling to other destinations for reasons that require them to bring their firearms.

Please be aware, however, that law enforcement agencies advise firearms owners to be vigilant about not leaving firearms in an unattended vehicle or location, such as a hotel room, where they may be targeted by individuals who recognize the potential to take firearms and divert them towards illegal activities.

Make suitable arrangements with your accommodations provider to store your firearms in a place where they can be properly secured. Take into account that they must always have a secure locking device put in place when not in use, as well as any other storage requirements depending on the class of the firearms being stored.

When stopping for services such as restaurants and gas stations along the way, someone should stay with the vehicle, or park it in a location where it can be easily observed by you or others. Always ensure the firearms are unloaded, secured and out of sight.