Corvallis, OR – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is giving away free gun locks this week as part of a safety campaign to prevent youth firearm deaths and accidents.
According to the sheriff’s office, 90% of firearm-related youth suicides and unintentional shootings involve guns obtained from a friend or family member’s home. The department also cited data showing that many teens who misuse prescription drugs access them from unsecured home medicine cabinets.
To promote responsible storage, the agency encourages residents to:
- Secure all firearms and medications.
- Ask about gun safety when children visit other homes.
- Discuss firearm and drug dangers with children regularly.
- Educate others to promote safe communities.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office provides free gun locks at its CHL office, located on the second floor of the law enforcement building. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Residents can stop by the office to pick up locks or visit sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/contact for more information.
The program supports broader statewide efforts to reduce preventable firearm deaths through responsible ownership and secure storage.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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