Firearm owners must practice proper safety

  • Published
  • 673d Security Forces Squadron
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The irresponsible use of firearms has been a contributing factor in many tragic accidents.

To prevent death and serious injury, firearm owners have the inherent responsibility to ensure weapons are not improperly used.

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Weapons Registration and Child Weapons Safety Program provides guidance for storing and transporting privately owned weapons on JBER.

These rules are established to ensure maximum safety for our community, while allowing responsible gun ownership and use.

Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in dormitories or lodging units.
These residents must store their weapons in an authorized armory.

All base housing residents must register their privately owned firearms with their units, who in turn will pass the information on to base police.

Firearms must be secured in a tamper-resistant locked container.

When stored in cabinets with glass windows, there must be an additional level of security, such as a trigger lock or wire mesh to prevent the removal or use of the firearm.
The owner must closely control the keys and combinations for mechanical locks and other safety devices to prevent access by children and unauthorized persons.

Ammunition should be stored in a locked drawer of a gun cabinet or in a gun safe.

Place ammunition not stored in a locked drawer of a gun cabinet or a gun safe in another location separate from the gun.

This place should be secure from children and other unauthorized individuals.
There are also rules for transporting your firearm in your vehicle.

You may not store weapons in your vehicle and you may not leave children under 18 unattended in a vehicle containing firearms.

Firearms may only be transported to and from their place of storage, to authorized sporting events and venues on or off base.

Weapons may be transported in plain view, secured in the trunk, or secured in the rear storage compartment of the vehicle.

Weapons should also be secured in a carrying case, holster, or suitable container.
Firearms must be transported unloaded with the ammunition separated from the weapon.

When contacted by base police for a traffic stop or random vehicle inspection, advise them you have a firearm and of its location. Do not attempt to reach for it or hand it to them unless asked to do so.

Personnel living on JBER and anyone bringing weapons onto the base must register their weapons with base police. For more information or clarification of the regulations, call at 552-5665.

(Editor's note: Although the state of Alaska allows firearms to be carried both openly and concealed, this rule does not apply on federal installations and military bases. Army members are prohibited from concealed carry on or off the installation.)