NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, recognizes the second semi-annual observance of Gun Storage Check Week®, Sept. 1–7, which coincides with National Suicide Prevention Month. Gun Storage Check Week reminds firearm owners to take a moment and review their storage practices to "Make Sure It's Secure®."
"Through years of partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we have learned suicide is preventable. And if it's preventable, that means we can do something about it," said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. "During Gun Storage Check Week, we encourage every gun owner to examine their secure storage practices. There are options available to fit any use or lifestyle. Doing this proactively can provide a life-saving moment for someone in crisis, as well as preventing accidents, theft and misuse."
Ensuring firearms are securely stored when not in use is crucial, as more than half of all firearm fatalities are suicide deaths. Around 74 percent of suicides among veterans involve a firearm.
"When firearms are securely stored when not in use, you create 'time and distance' between a person in crisis and a lethal means. This pause allows time for immediate thoughts of suicide to pass and gives someone in crisis an opportunity to seek support," Bartozzi noted.
NSSF encourages everyone to remember the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 is the number to call/text/chat if you or someone you know is struggling.
Helpful Resources Available
GunStorageCheck.org has several resources available for those interested in learning more about secure storage options, as well as sharing the "Make Sure It's Secure." message in their local communities. Resources for veterans are also prominently displayed, with links to VA REACH and other initiatives.
A breakdown of secure gun storage device options is featured on the website, providing helpful insight for at-home and vehicle safety. Cable locks are commonly available through Project ChildSafe®, NSSF's nationwide firearm safety program, and its law enforcement partners.
"When considering how you store your firearm when not in use, take a moment to think about how your lifestyle has changed recently. Are your kids older and more curious? Do you have grandchildren visiting the home? Are you living in a shared space? Do you have adult children visiting during the holidays? These are all important factors as you evaluate your secure storage practices this week and beyond," Bartozzi said.
Insights on home and vehicle safety, as well as resources for veterans and other safety programs, are available on the Gun Storage Check Week website.
Earlier this year, Bartozzi spotlighted the importance of secure storage and suicide prevention to a national audience with an appearance on Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew. The interview is available as an additional resource on the Gun Storage Check Week site, which is part of NSSF's Real Solutions. Safer Communities® firearm safety campaign.
The NSSF-AFSP brochure on suicide prevention that discusses warning signs and how to have a "brave conversation" with someone they're worried about is readily accessible. A NSSF-AFSP suicide prevention toolkit is freely available to firearm retailers and shooting ranges.
Engage With Safety Content, Enter Sweepstakes
Beginning Sept. 1, visitors to GunStorageCheck.org during Gun Storage Check Week can enter a sweepstakes to win a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit — a user-authorized 9mm firearm. The LNK9 features optional biometric fingerprint or PIN access, incorporated directly into the firearm to create an additional safeguard that complements secure firearm storage and safe handling.
"There is no one-size-fits-all solution for firearm storage. Every household is different, and Gun Storage Check Week is an important reminder to routinely evaluate whether your current approach still meets your family's needs," said Ginger Chandler, Lodestar Technology Co-Founder. "Innovation doesn't replace responsibility — it gives responsible people more ways to achieve it. That belief guided the development of the LNK9. We wanted to introduce a new approach to preventing unauthorized access that complements secure firearm storage while preserving immediate access and owner privacy."
Additional entries to win can be earned by watching any of the firearm safety or suicide prevention videos after completing the entry form.
A Community-Wide Invitation
Retailers, range operators, manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, other companies in the firearm industry and individuals are invited to join in this weeklong initiative by using the promotional materials available at GunStorageCheck.org.
The promotional toolkit has ready-made assets to help boost the visibility of Gun Storage Check Week. It features logos, shareable graphics, digital ads, public service announcements (featuring male and female voiceovers), press release templates (for both industry businesses and law enforcement) and more.
Established by NSSF as a national awareness campaign in 2024, Gun Storage Check Week has two annual observances: June 1–7, coinciding with National Safety Month, and Sept. 1–7, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. Gun Storage Check Week has reached millions of gun owners with its "Make Sure It's Secure." message and industry outreach.
About NSSF: NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.