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

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will distribute 200 free firearm safes across three Health Department locations on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, as part of an effort to prevent firearm-related injuries, reduce unauthorized access to firearms, protect children and prevent firearm theft. Firearm safes will be distributed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, with no registration required.

"We saw tremendous community interest in this program last year, which demonstrated how important safe firearm storage resources are for Long Beach families," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to help reduce unintentional shootings, youth access to firearms and firearm theft. The City continues to invest in evidenced-based violence prevention and public safety strategies that help protect residents and strengthen community".

The initiative returns for a second year after strong community participation in the City's firearm safe distribution program in 2025. During the one-day event last year, all available safes were claimed within 15 minutes.

The City will distribute approximately 67 safes at each of the three participating Health Department locations. Residents are encouraged to arrive when distribution sites open, as supplies are limited and expected to be distributed quickly.

On Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 8:30 a.m., residents may pick up one free firearm safe per household weighing approximately 10 pounds and capable of storing up to two handguns, along with educational materials on responsible firearm storage and safety, at the following locations:

• Main Health (2525 Grand Ave.)
• Miller Family Health Education Center (3820 Cherry Ave.)
• Ron Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.)

Residents must not bring their firearms to distribution locations. Weapons of any kind, including firearms, are prohibited at City facilities.

"Firearm injuries are preventable, and safe storage is a proven strategy to reduce risk," said Dr. Cliff Okada, Acting City Health Officer. "By securely storing firearms, residents can help prevent accidental shootings, unauthorized access, theft and suicide-related harm, contributing to a safer community for all."

Funding for the 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. The initiative supports the Health Department's violence prevention strategy and aligns with Goal 2 of the Framework for Reconciliation and Goal 5.1 of the City's 2030 Strategic Vision, ensuring children and youth are safe from violence.

According to national public health data, firearms are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States. To help prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths, the Health Department encourages parents and caregivers to follow the Everytown for Gun Safety Be SMART framework for responsible firearm storage and safety.

• Secure all guns in your home and vehicles.
• Model responsible behavior around guns.
• Ask about unsecured guns in other homes.
• Recognize the role of guns in suicide.
• Tell your peers to Be SMART.

For more information about safe firearm storage and the Be SMART program, visit the Be SMART for Kids website.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Long Beach Health Department is available at longbeach.gov/health and on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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