Make Sure It's Secure: September is Suicide Prevention Month

NSSF's national campaign "Gun Storage Check Week" coincides with September's suicide prevention month. The Firearm Industry Trade Association is encouraging all gun owners to check their firearm storage practices and, if necessary, take action to make sure it's secure!

Statistics show that most firearm-related fatalities are from suicide (58%), which is troubling and concerning.

Simple and valuable steps via proper gun storage done by firearm owners and loving family members can help save lives by ensuring that a person in crisis cannot access a gun or another means of self-harm.

Proper gun storage can serve as a responsible buffer between rash decisions and everlasting consequences. In another sobering stat, 74% of veteran suicides are firearm-related. They've given so much and deserve better. Through resources, outreach, and continued conversation, hopefully we can reduce that number drastically.

Benefits of Proper Gun Storage

In addition to preventing suicides, proper gun storage decreases the chances of accidents and theft by making sure your firearms are secure when not in use.

Here are examples of secure options:

• Cable lock
• Lock box
• Full-size safe
• Temporary off-site storage

Here are examples that are not considered secure:

• Top of refrigerator
• Bedside drawer
• Car glove compartment
• "Hiding a gun

"NSSF is working diligently to provide the firearm-owning community with education about preventing suicide. When guns are securely stored, you create ‘time and distance’ between a person in crisis and a lethal means. Interrupting access allows time for immediate thoughts of suicide to pass and connecting to care. During Gun Storage Check Week, take a moment to check on your firearm storage to ensure you’re preventing unwanted access. Join our efforts to Make Sure It’s Secure!" -Joe Bartozzi, President and CEO of NSSF

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