All Free Handgun Safes Available To Southington Residents Distributed: UPDATE

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Residents of Southington, Plainville and Middlefield could pick up free handgun safes beginning Wednesday, Aug. 12, according to the South Central Health District.

And as fast as they were available, they were gone, the health department said Wednesday.

The health district, which covers those three towns, said it had a limited number of safes available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

No firearm permit or proof of firearm ownership was required. Residents receiving a safe will be asked to verify that they live in Southington, Plainville or Middlefield, according to the district.

The initiative promotes safe firearm storage as a way to help prevent unintentional injuries, youth access, and suicide.

Where To Pick Up A Safe

Safes will be available at the South Central Health District, 196 N. Main St., Southington.

Pickup hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m.

A limited number will also be available for Middlefield residents at the Middlefield Land Use Office, 393 Jackson Hill Road. Pickup hours at the Middlefield location are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The program begins Wednesday, Aug. 12, and will continue while supplies last.

The program materials also identify Connecticut Public Health and Safer CT as partners in the safe-storage initiative.

For more information, residents can call the South Central Health District at 860-276-6275.