EASY SAFETY STORAGE PRACTICESWays to safely store firearms:
- Use a gunlock
- Disassembling the gun and place in a lockbox/safe
- Separately storing gun and ammunition
To prevent Overdose, store/dispose medication:
- Take individually packaged pills
- Throw out expired medication
- Portion medication for the week and lock in a cabinet
Deter asphyxiation by reducing access to ligatures (i.e. ropes, cords, belts):
- Use specialized bed sheets resistant to tearing
- Purchase cordless appliances/electronics
Substitute/hide everyday sharp objects:
- Use knife covers and safes/locks
- Keep tools locked in sheds
Avoid Chemicals/Poisons:
- Purchase green/organic cleaning products or repellents that do not include toxic ingredients or pesticides
- Add carbon monoxide detectors to the house
Resources Available
- Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, or CALM, is a training course that counsels individuals who work with people at risk and their Families providing information on how to reduce access.
- Ask, Care, Escort or ACE, is a training model offered by the U.S. Army that educates Soldiers and Family members on methods of prevention.
- The Suicide Prevention Resource Center is a federally supported resource center funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA.
- The Army Suicide Prevention Program or SP2 is a campaign that provides resources, builds awareness, and supports Soldiers and Families with suicide prevention tools.
- DOD Lethal Means Safety Tools and information can be found here.
Checklist Resources: