Safe storage & time-and-distance: protecting a veteran in crisis

Research gathered by Harvard’s Means Matter project shows the most acute period of risk is often only minutes or hours long. Many people who survived a crisis say it came on quickly, often after an argument or conflict with someone.

A barrier, like a lock or a key held by someone else, can be enough to get through that window.

Nine out of ten people who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die by suicide later. That is why buying time saves lives: the person usually gets a chance to heal.

Safer storage can mean a lock at home, or asking someone you trust to hold firearms or keys while things are hard. The NSSF suggests reassessing storage during periods of increased stress or emotional crisis.

Harvard’s Means Matter project says gun owner groups share values of firearm safety, protecting family and looking out for one another, which fit well with suicide prevention.

The NSSF advises making sure firearms are unloaded and back in secure storage right after a day at the range or a hunting trip.

Safer storage isn’t a judgment about character or a statement about rights. It’s like clearing a weapon or wearing a seatbelt: a routine step that protects people when things go wrong.

Many gun owner groups have already started their own suicide prevention work.

VA encourages veterans to choose secure storage that fits their lifestyle, their family and their needs. When a veteran helps choose the plan, it is more likely to feel respectful and to work.

Every veteran can get a free cable-style gun lock from their local VA medical center or clinic. There is no paperwork.

The NSSF says a gun lock is an extra safety step, not a substitute for secure storage.

A lockbox is a strong, portable container with a key, code or fingerprint lock. VA says it limits immediate access during a crisis and can be kept in a closet, garage or vehicle.

Ask your VA provider about VA’s lockbox program.

Gun safes are one of VA’s three main storage options. The NSSF lists cable locks, gun cases, lockboxes and full-size safes, and suggests picking what suits your household.

• Ask a trusted person to hold the key or combination for a while
• Change the combination if the person at risk knows it, and keep the new one private
• Keep firearms unloaded and locked
• Store ammunition separately and locked, or away from home for now

Harvard’s Means Matter project notes that family members often know each other’s hiding places, so a hidden key may not be enough.

A friend or relative holding firearms is often the simplest option. State rules may limit temporary transfers, so check before you hand anything over.

Some gun shops and shooting ranges rent lockers or offer storage. Each business decides for itself, so call ahead.

Some states have online maps showing places that offer voluntary, temporary firearm storage.

Many self-storage facilities accept firearms, which should be stored unloaded. Policies on ammunition differ, so ask first.

Some police departments take firearms for temporary storage. Call first and ask for the officer on duty. Don’t bring firearms to the station unless they tell you to.

In VA reviews, common pressures included pain, poor sleep, health problems, relationship problems and money loss. These are good moments to add a little distance.

• A breakup, divorce or custody battle
• An anniversary of a loss or a hard deployment
• Legal trouble or losing housing
• Losing a job or leaving the military
• Pain or illness that won’t ease

• Drinking or using drugs more
• Feeling hopeless or like there’s no reason to live
• Rage, anger or reckless behavior
• Risky use of weapons
• Talking about death or suicide
• Withdrawing from family and friends

Harvard’s Means Matter project suggests keeping only small amounts of alcohol at home when someone may be at risk.

• “Could I hold onto the key for a while, just until things settle?”
• “I want you around for a long time. Would you lock these up while things are rough?”
• “I’m not asking you to give anything up. I’m asking for a little time.”
• “You taught me about safety. Can we make a plan together?”

A battle buddy, a fellow gun owner or a respected range instructor may be easier to hear than family. Peer-led groups use a “friends helping friends” approach to look out for each other.

• Arguing about whether life is worth living
• Lecturing or shaming
• Making threats or ultimatums
• Taking things in secret, unless someone is in immediate danger

If a life is in danger right now, safety comes first: call 911 or dial 988 then press 1.

A first “no” isn’t the end. Stay close, check in and offer smaller steps, like a free VA cable lock or holding just the ammunition.

Knowing the plan is temporary makes it easier to say yes. Agree together on what “feeling better” looks like, such as sleeping better, drinking less or getting support.

Harvard’s Means Matter project notes that some storage options, like pawn shops, require a background check to get firearms back.

VA includes lethal-means safety counseling and collaborative safety planning in its suicide prevention care for enrolled veterans.

Every VA medical center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator who can connect veterans to support.

Harvard’s Means Matter project suggests keeping only small amounts of alcohol in the home when someone may be at risk.

Talk with your clinical provider about other items in your home that could be dangerous in a crisis, and how to store them safely.

Lethal-means counseling is a recognized part of suicide prevention. Anyone who comes into contact with people at risk can learn it, not only mental health providers.

The NSSF and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention created a toolkit for retailers, ranges and customers on risk factors and warning signs.

Some shops and ranges offer temporary storage, and some states map these places online.

VA gives free cable gun locks at local facilities. The NSSF’s Project ChildSafe has given out more than 41 million free firearm safety kits.

CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) is a free online course from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. It’s designed mainly for mental health professionals, but other helpers may benefit.

• Check in after hard news, like a breakup or job loss
• Offer to hold a key or store items for a while, if your state allows
• Share the Veterans Crisis Line in your group chat
• Talk about safe storage as normal, everyday responsibility

• Call: dial 988 then press 1
• Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
• Text: 838255
• TTY: 1-800-799-4889

For veterans, service members, Guard and Reserve, and the family and friends who support them. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA.

Ask your local VA for a free cable gun lock, or ask your VA provider about the lockbox program. Every VA medical center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator.

Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-927-8387, 24/7, to talk with another veteran or a family member of a veteran.

• Australia: Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, 1800 011 046, 24/7
• Canada: VAC Assistance Service, 1-800-268-7708, 24/7
• United Kingdom: Combat Stress 24-hour helpline, 0800 138 1619

Anywhere else, findahelpline.com lists free, confidential helplines by country. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.