Monica Hernandez / Eyewitness News
JEFFERSON, La. - Jenna Temple said she felt a rush of adrelanine as she aimed at her target and pulled the trigger. But she hopes she'll never have to do that outside of a firing range.
Temple's husband took her to a Jefferson Parish shooting range so that she could learn to shoot. He bought the mother of two a gun last weekend in light of the recent wave of violence in New Orleans, with 24 murders in 28 days.
"It will definitely make me feel more secure and know that I can protect my kids," said Temple.
Managers of a gun store in Metairie said business has been steady for awhile.
"Actually in the past month I bought three guns, but before that I've never owned a rifle or a pistol," said Jeffrey Escarra, who at one point never thought he would own a gun.
A concealed carry class in Jefferson was packed Saturday. Organizers said there's normally a spike in attendance in January. But many of the students who attended Saturday's class said the latest spike in violence is what triggered them to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
"Mainly for safety concerns, because the murder rate is rising in New Orleans, and it's a little scary for me and my family," said Anthony Dalmado, an attendee of the class.
But those looking for added security aren't just turning to guns.
Devon Navalance installs security alarms and cameras. He said business has doubled since last year. And the phones haven't stopped ringing since last month.
"New people to the security [system]who always thought they never needed it, they were safe in their own neighborhood, and now they do need it," said Navalance.
The CCTV cameras allow people to view their homes from anywhere, even their smart phones, giving those looking for added protection extra peace of mind. Navalance said they're becoming increasingly popular amidst news of break-ins, home invasions, and other crimes.
