The impulsive nature of these suicide attempts highlights the importance of limiting access to lethal means in all households, regardless of perceived risk.

When considering how to prioritize your efforts, lethal means matter. The lethality of the method used in a suicide attempt is one of the biggest factors in determining whether the person lives or not. And if the method the person planned to use is not available, one of two things are likely to occur. First, the impulsivity will fade, and the attempt will be delayed. The greater the delay, the greater the chance the crisis will pass. Second, they will substitute with another less lethal method, increasing the chance of survival.

Firearms are used in more suicide deaths in the U.S. than all other methods combined. They are highly lethal, irreversible, easily accessible in many homes, and should be the highest priority when limiting access to lethal means.

The safest place to store firearms is away from the home:

• Relative’s home with secure storage
• Hunting partner’s home or at hunting camp
• At the gun range
• Storage facility
• Surrendered to law enforcement
• Stored or sold at a pawn shop or gun shop

The second safest place to store a firearm is in secure storage inside the home following the below guidelines:

• Store unloaded
• Remove the critical component
• Lock ammunition in a secure box with a combination lock
• Lock up the firearm, separate from ammunition
• Use a trigger lock
• Change the lock combination regularly, or if the lockbox uses keys, they remain on the adult or loved one’s person at all times

For gun owners reluctant to safely store their guns, talking through our shared priority of the safety of our loved ones can be effective. When everyone in the household is aligned to create a safe environment for children or for those who are struggling, they are more likely to take the steps necessary to store the gun safely.

Other items to consider when limiting access to lethal means:

• Lock up both prescription and over-the-counter medication
• Securely store sharp objects

As we share the importance of limiting access to lethal means, we are sensitive to not providing specific examples. There are training sessions for parents that can go into more detail on how to conduct a safety sweep of their home. The training sessions are best to read or listen to in a private setting due to the specific examples they give.

If you think your child may be at risk of a psychiatric emergency, you and your family are not alone. There are resources available to support families during crisis, and it’s important to also educate your children about these resources.

866-791-9222: 24/7 Crisis Support operated by Youth Villages provides assessment and evaluation of children and youth, up to age 18, who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency across Tennessee.

988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, providing 24/7, free and confidential support

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