Lethal Means Safety: Firearm Storage and Suicide Prevention

What is It?

Lethal Means Safety (LMS) is an evidence-informed suicide prevention approach that promotes safer firearm storage during periods of elevated suicide risk. By creating time and space between a suicidal crisis and access to lethal means, LMS can reduce impulsive actions and save lives—without requiring individuals to give up their firearms.

For many veterans and their families, this means identifying secure storage options that align with their values and needs, with the potential to adjust those practices during periods of heightened risk, such as temporarily storing firearms outside the home. These conversations are most effective when supported by training or resources that equip individuals to approach the topic with confidence and care.

LMS is a collaborative and respectful conversation rooted in shared goals of safety and personal responsibility. It can take place in both clinical and non-clinical settings, using practical tools to make the discussion easier and more effective.

Who is It For? 

Lethal means safety is for both non-profit organizations without direct services and non-profit organizations with direct clinical services:

For Non-Profits without direct clinical services:

LMS conversations can be led by staff, volunteers, or peers in trusted roles — no clinical background required. These conversations focus on shared safety, values, and respect.

Possible settings include:

• Veteran-serving organizations
• Housing and employment programs
• Peer support teams
• community outreach groups

For Clinical Non-Profits
Clinicians can incorporate LMS into suicide prevention protocols to guide respectful, motivational conversations about secure firearm storage. LMS pairs well with Crisis Response Plans, Safety Planning, and routine risk assessments, and other clinical treatment.

Possible settings include:

• Mental health agencies
• Veteran treatment centers
• Integrated care teams

What is the Intended Outcome and Impact? 

For the organization: 

• Greater readiness to discuss suicide risk and firearm safety
• Tools to support individuals without confrontation or judgment
• Increased staff confidence and competence in navigating sensitive topics
• Improved coordination with mental health and crisis partners
• Demonstrated commitment to proactive safety practices

For the veteran:

• Increased time and distance between suicidal thoughts and action
• Personalized support from trusted community members
• Respectful conversations that validate values and priorities
• Reduced risk during periods of acute distress
• Clearer pathways to safety, support, and healing

How Technical Assistance Can Help with LMS Integration:

• Tailored Implementation Support: Help organizations identify how LMS fits into their existing services, and customize workflows, scripts, and outreach approaches accordingly.
• Staff Training and Capacity Building: Provide access to training resources and follow-up coaching to ensure staff and volunteers feel confident, prepared, and supported in having LMS conversations.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Assist in creating internal policies, consent protocols, and documentation strategies that reinforce respectful, values-aligned LMS practices.
• Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Support tracking of LMS-related activities (e.g., number of conversations held or storage changes made) and use that data to inform program refinement and impact stories.

How to Support Lethal Means Safety Conversations

Use a simple framework like RA(M)P:

• R – Raise the subject with care and permission
• A – Assess current firearm storage practices
• (M) – Motivate change
• P – Plan next steps based on the individual’s needs and values

This brief approach (5–8 minutes) is built on motivational interviewing principles: curiosity, collaboration, and respect. You’re not giving a lecture — you’re opening a door.

Important Notes:

• Respect cultural and personal reasons for firearm ownership
• Ask open-ended, nonjudgmental questions
• Avoid confrontation — focus on shared safety goals