The number of Ohioans getting permits to carry concealed weapons could reach an all-time high this year.

From sales to classes, interest in the valley is on pace with the statewide trend and gun advocates say the increase is triggered by a variety of reasons, including safety concerns.

"It's about safety," Jim Irvine said, board member for Buckeye Firearms Association. "Life is fragile and if we do a few things ahead of time to take care of it, like working smoke detectors, wearing seat belts and carrying a firearm, we're safer."

Irvine says mass shootings showcased in news headlines across the country contribute to the rise. He also believes the intense campaign season leading up to the presidential election was a factor.

Permits issued in Ohio from July through September jumped almost 60 percent compared to the same peroid last year.

Gun stores say sales of concealed weapons followed suit-- linked in part to more women wanting weapons and concerns centered around violence. 

"A lot more of our customers are females, they're getting into the shooting market more as well as the sporting market," Edward Orr said, with The Armory at LTT in North Jackson.

The gun store says sales were also high ahead of the presidential election.

Training is another factor driving the increase in permits sought. Two years ago a new law went into effect in Ohio that reduced the number of required hours to obtain a permit from 12 to 8.

While more people may be carrying, Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene says that can raise the risk of accidents. Still, Greene says he's not concerned about more potential violence.

"I don't see a big uptick when it comes to violence with people legally carrying them, but you have to be careful," he said.

Greene says the numbers in Mahoning County are through the roof, with an average of 250 to 300 new permits a month.