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Firearm Suicide Prevention & Lethal Means Safety

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https://www.va.gov/reach/lethal-means/


Gun injuries in the home can be prevented. How? By making sure guns are unloaded, locked, and securedwhen not in use, with ammunition stored in a different location. Many suicidal crises can be brief, so safely storing guns can save a life by adding small barriers between suicidal impulse and action.

There are several effective ways to store your guns:

  • Cable lock: Request a gun lock from your local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC). Find your local SPC using the VA Resource Locator.
  • Lockbox or gun case: For those looking to conceal or protect guns. Be sure to lock with an external device for added security.
  • Electronic lockbox: Only the person with the code can access contents. Some are designed for quick access to stored guns.
  • Biometric safes

For more tips on safe gun storage from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), click here.