Negaunee

Researchers are evaluating a firearm safety prevention program designed for families living in rural areas with children. This study aims to see if the intervention can improve how firearms are safely stored in households. The trial is sponsored by the University of Michigan and focuses on preventing firearm injuries by promoting safer storage behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The Store Safely group will receive an online, self-guided intervention that includes watching videos, reviewing data infographics, using a decision aid, completing a family firearm storage plan, and accessing resources for safe storage devices. The control group will not receive the intervention during the trial but will have access to crisis lifeline numbers and safe storage information. After the trial, the control group will be offered the Store Safely program. During the study, researchers will measure how many firearms are locked, unloaded, or unlocked and loaded, as well as parental engagement and confidence with firearm safety at about three months. Participants will complete surveys and indicate their progress through the online program. The study will monitor outcomes related to firearm storage safety and parent behaviors over time.