LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A safety program in Lima is aimed at reducing preventable injuries involving children.
Firearm-related injuries are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 19. The "Store It Safe" program, through the American Academy of Pediatrics, educates parents about the safe storage of firearms, medications, and alcohol or drugs.
Lima has been designated a "Store It Safe" community, becoming the fourth city in Ohio to receive that distinction. In Lima, Prevention Awareness Support Services, or PASS, provides free lock boxes and cable gun locks to help keep firearms and medications out of children’s reach.
“We can prevent firearm-related injuries and medication access or accidental ingestion or misuse simply by putting them where the youth can’t get to them,” said Bethan Miller, associate director of PASS.
PASS says the safety devices are available at no cost and can be picked up during regular business hours at its office at 529 S. Elizabeth St.
