Gun-owning residents can receive a free gun safe from seven locations throughout Long Beach beginning Monday, April 28.
Safes will be distributed for free with no questions asked on a first-come, first-served basis, with the goal to protect children and residents from gun-related accidents and prevent theft. This program is run by Long Beach’s Health Department in collaboration with the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department.
The 200 gun safes and gun safety educational materials were purchased with $35,478 of one-time funds as part of the Health Department’s violence prevention strategies.
Gun-related incidents are the leading cause of death among children ages 0 to 17 in the United States, according to the John Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. In 2023, 29 children and teens were victims of shootings in Long Beach.
“Using a gun safe to store firearms reduces the risk of accidental injuries and fatalities, particularly among children,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, City Health Officer, in a public statement. “It also helps prevent unauthorized access, lowering the chances of firearm-related violence and suicide.”
The safes weigh 10 pounds and can fit up to two handguns. They will be available at the following locations beginning April 28:
- Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.), weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Coolidge Park (352 E. Neece St.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.), weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Orizaba Park (1435 Orizaba Ave.) weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Ron Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.), Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents should not bring their guns to receive their free safe, as this is prohibited at City facilities in Long Beach.
The City of Long Beach encourages residents to follow the be SMART framework:
- 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.
