Thurston County’s new “Lock It Up” firearms safety program is dedicated to preventing gun deaths in the community. Avoiding firearm injuries and deaths through outreach and resources is a public health goal. That’s why the county’s Public Health & Social Services Department is providing information on safe storage practices, including free devices to keep firearms safe, secure, and ready.
“This program is wholly grounded in safety,” says Education and Outreach Specialist Raymona Smiedala. “When you look at the data, of the 4,433 firearm deaths in the state between 2018 and 2022, nearly three quarters were suicide by firearm. It’s important to have firearms secured safely to prevent unauthorized access, which can result in suicides or accidents. Locks and security can reduce deaths.”
The County is getting the word out on the new program, while the Board of Health is issuing a proclamation recognizing June as “Gun Violence Awareness Month” in a June 10, 2025, public ceremony.
Why Thurston County’s ‘Lock It Up’ Program for Firearms is Important to Keep Communities Safer
The “Lock It Up” program began in King County to protect community members and reduce injury and death by firearms by providing information on safe storage practices and free locks. Smiedala says Thurston County partnered with Seattle and King County Public Health to bring the program’s elements to local Thurston residents.
Washington households reported in 2022 that 34% stored firearms were unlocked, 31% stored firearms loaded, 47% stored firearms unlocked and loaded, and 49% of gun owners reported storing their firearms safely (locked and unloaded.) Tragically, Washington Department of Health data shows that between 2020 and 2022, younger patients (ages 0 to 24) accounted for approximately one-third of all firearm injury emergency department visits and hospitalizations in Washington.
Smiedala says storing a firearm locked and unloaded can prevent access by unauthorized users. Safe storage can prevent a child from unintentionally harming themselves or someone else, prevent someone from harming themselves in a moment of crisis, and deter theft / prevent misuse of firearms in a crime.
Along with free safety devices, the “Lock It Up” program provides information on safe storage practices, safety devices’ costs, and advantages and disadvantages of different devices.
Thurston County Provides Free Resources on Firearm Safety Including Locking and Storage Devices, and Public Education
Storing a firearm safely means it is unloaded and locked with a trigger or cable lock, in a lockbox, or in a safe. These devices lock with a key, a combination code or fingerprint recognition. Importantly, ammunition is locked in a separate location from the firearm, and keys/combination codes are kept away from unauthorized people.
“There are different types of devices available,” explains Smiedala. She adds that the county offers several free devices like, cable locks, trigger locks, and lock boxes. A cable lock is a device that blocks the chamber with a locked cable to prevent a gun from being fired. A trigger lock fits through the trigger guard to prevent the trigger from being pulled. A lock box is a small safe designed to securely store a handgun.
The free devices are one option for gun owners. Smiedala says they can also go online or shop around to purchase a device that fits their needs. The objective is for gun owners to make an informed choice while improving safety. “It depends on the type of firearm you own that determines what type of locking device you will use,” she adds. “We want to promote safety.”
The county has this brochure explaining more details on devices, along with information on gun safety, the Lock It Up Program and data. The brochure is available in various languages. The webpage will be updated to describe how to request a free device. “Check back on the webpage,” she adds. Meanwhile, she notes that the county will also partner with local organizations to distribute the brochure and attend community events to hand out devices.
Public Is Invited to Proclamation Ceremony Recognizing ‘Gun Violence Awareness Month’
The Thurston County Board of Health is issuing a proclamation recognizing June as “Gun Violence Awareness Month” and a separate proclamation will recognize “Men’s Health Month.” On June 10, 2025, the county is holding a ceremony at 3:45 p.m. to launch both proclamations. The public is invited to attend the ceremony in the atrium of the county offices at 3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia. For more on the Lock It Up Program in Thurston County, visit the Firearm Safety webpage
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