A free community forum next month will offer information on gun safety at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Carpenters & Millwrights Skilled Training Center, 500 Reno Drive, Wayland.

The community is coming together to work toward reducing gun violence by promoting safe storage of guns in the home and in vehicles.

A panel of authorities, including gun owners, law enforcement, Wayland Union Schools, Wayland city government and surrounding municipalities, office of the Allegan County Prosecutor, Smart Shooters LLC, and others will present information and answer concerns.

Attendees also can learn about the new gun safety laws requiring all firearms and ammunition to be secured from access by children. Free cable safety locks and take home safety information will be available.

The impetus for this effort came from the United Church of Wayland Gun Safety Initiative and has received wide support from the community.

Wayland Police Chief Scott Matice said, “Knowing that one in three families has at least three guns in their home and that 1300 kids die of accidental gun shootings yearly with many more seriously injured, we must act. Now that the State of Michigan has passed laws requiring safe storage the concern is even greater for firearm owners.”

The UCW Gun Safety Initiative intends to make gun safety a community effort and part of the identity of the Wayland area through additional events and outreach. Gun safety locks with educational information will continue to be provided free at additional sites in the community, including the Wayland City Police office.

The first meeting of the Gun Safety Initiative was held Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the United Church of Wayland.

The panel encourages those who plan to attend to submit their questions about gun safety to ucwgunsafety@gmail.com. Please address any questions or concerns regarding the forum to that email address as well.