#USA #Washington #Suicide Prevention #Gun Safety #National Shooting Sports Foundation

NSSF's Gun Storage Check Week and Its Significance

From September 1 to 7, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) will observe its Gun Storage Check Week in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Month. This initiative underscores the critical need for secure firearm storage, which can significantly prevent unauthorized access and, consequently, potential suicides and accidents. With alarming statistics revealing that 58% of firearm fatalities are due to suicide and 74% of veteran suicides involve firearms, the NSSF emphasizes the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage practices.

Joe Bartozzi, NSSF's President and CEO, stated, "One of the most effective methods for preventing suicide is deterring access to firearms during a time of crisis." This sentiment drives the campaign’s core message: by securely storing firearms when not in use, gun owners can create a crucial barrier between individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts and the means to harm themselves.

Educational Initiatives and Resources

During this campaign, NSSF encourages firearm owners to assess their storage practices as part of its broader educational efforts aimed at preventing suicides. In collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the NSSF offers extensive resources and guidance. Among these is the NSSF-AFSP brochure, which details warning signs of suicidal thoughts and offers strategies for initiating difficult conversations about mental health.

The NSSF emphasizes that suicide is preventable and presses the importance of discussing mental health openly. Resources for veterans, including links to VA programs, further highlight the commitment to mental health support in conjunction with responsible gun ownership.

Engage and Win

During Gun Storage Check Week, participants can visit GunStorageCheck.org to enter a contest to win a full-size Bandit 19 gun safe from Winchester Safes. Extra entries can be obtained by watching a video on suicide prevention hosted by noted TV show personality Melissa Bachman, which showcases the essentials of maintaining a systematic and safe firearm storage.

Secure Storage Options

NSSF also outlines various secure storage methods that gun owners can utilize:

• - Cable Locks: Often available for free through programs like NSSF’s Project ChildSafe®, these devices can prevent unauthorized use.
• - Lock Boxes: Ideal for safe storage at home and in vehicles.
• - Lockable Gun Cases: Providing security and portability for firearms.
• - Full-size Gun Cabinets and Safes: Essential for owners with multiple firearms, offering protection against theft and fire.
• - Digital Storage Devices: Some solutions are linked to applications that alert owners in the event of unauthorized access or tampering.

Bartozzi reminds gun owners, "People’s lives change, and so should storage practices. A child might grow older and become more curious, or a family member may go through a challenging time. These changes necessitate a reassessment of how firearms are stored."

Raising Awareness

Organizations, law enforcement agencies, and individuals are encouraged to utilize available promotional materials to help spread awareness of Gun Storage Check Week. Established as a national awareness campaign in 2024, this initiative has successfully reached millions of gun owners with its essential message: "Make Sure It's Secure."

A Collective Responsibility

Ultimately, Gun Storage Check Week serves not only as a reminder for individual responsibility among gun owners but also promotes collective social responsibility in addressing suicide prevention. By securing firearms, discussing mental health openly, and engaging in community resource-sharing, individuals can make a meaningful impact in their regions.

In conclusion, NSSF calls on everyone to maintain vigilance about firearm storage practices and to remember that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is always available for those in need. The importance of securing firearms and having essential conversations about mental health cannot be overstated as we strive together to prevent tragedies.

• ---