Long Beach: Health Department to Distribute Free Firearm Safes to Promote Community Safety and Prevent Firearm-Related Injuries

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is taking proactive measures to prevent firearm-related injuries and protect its residents by distributing 200 free firearm safes across three Health Department locations on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. This initiative is part of the city's ongoing efforts to reduce unauthorized access to firearms, protect children, and prevent firearm theft.

According to Mayor Rex Richardson, the program was met with great community interest last year, highlighting the importance of safe firearm storage resources for Long Beach families. He stated that safe storage is one of the most effective ways to reduce unintentional shootings, youth access to firearms, and firearm theft. The city remains committed to investing in evidence-based violence prevention and public safety strategies that strengthen the community and protect its residents.

This year's distribution comes after a successful turnout in 2025 when all available safes were claimed within just 15 minutes. The City will distribute approximately 67 safes at each of the three participating Health Department locations on a first-come, first-served basis with no registration required. Residents are encouraged to arrive early as supplies are limited and expected to go quickly.

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Residents can pick up one free firearm safe per household weighing approximately 10 pounds at any of the three locations: Main Health (2525 Grand Ave.), Miller Family Health Education Center (3820 Cherry Ave.), and Ron Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.). Along with the safe, educational materials on responsible firearm storage and safety will also be provided.

It is important to note that residents should not bring their firearms to distribution locations as weapons of any kind are prohibited at City facilities. Dr. Cliff Okada, Acting City Health Officer, emphasized that firearm injuries are preventable and safe storage is a proven strategy to reduce risk. By securely storing firearms, residents can help prevent accidental shootings, unauthorized access, theft, and suicide-related harm.

The funding for this program comes from the City Council-approved Fiscal Year 2026 Racial Equity and Reconciliation Budget, which includes $40,000 in one-time funding to support the City's Racial Equity and Reconciliation initiative. This initiative aligns with Goal 2 of the Framework for Reconciliation and Goal 5.1 of the City's 2030 Strategic Vision, which aims to ensure children and youth are safe from violence.

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According to national public health data, firearms are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States. To address this issue, the Health Department encourages parents and caregivers to follow the Everytown for Gun Safety Be SMART framework for responsible firearm storage and safety. This includes securing all guns in homes and vehicles, modeling responsible behavior around guns, asking about unsecured guns in other homes, recognizing the role of guns in suicide, and spreading awareness about responsible firearm storage.

For more information on safe firearm storage and the Be SMART program, residents can visit the Be SMART for Kids website. The City of Long Beach remains committed to promoting a safer community for all its residents through initiatives like this one.

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