A: The first step in ensuring your firearm is safely stored is to keep it locked and unloaded, with ammunition in a separate location. You can store your firearm safely using one of the following mechanisms:

• Trigger Lock: Trigger locks are two-piece locking devices that fit over the trigger guard. They include a firm cylinder that fits behind the trigger, preventing someone from firing the weapon. They come with a keypad, combination, or key that opens the lock. Some are battery-operated or have anti-tamper alarms as an extra measure of safety. You can find trigger locks for as cheap as $10.

• Cable Lock: Cable locks look like padlocks, where you insert one end of the cable through the chamber and out the magwell, then locked at the base. They prevent someone from pulling the trigger and can be removed by a key or combination. You can buy a cable lock for about $5-10.

• Gun Safe: Gun safes are what most often come to mind when someone considers how to store firearms. They are made of thick steel walls and are often too heavy to be carried or moved. Most have a lock on the outside, ranging from a regular lock to biometric locks. Biometric locks use fingerprint recognition to allow for quick, but limited access to firearms. As the most expensive safety measure, you can find gun safes for as little as $150, and up to over $1,000.

• Gun Cabinet: Gun cabinets are lighter versions of gun safes. They are easier to move, but are also easier to break into. Gun cabinets generally use a standard key lock. Depending on their size, you can buy a gun cabinet for anywhere between $80 to $400.

A: Using safe gun storage methods can reduce unintentional injury and suicide. Safe storage delays access to a firearm in a time of crisis, giving individuals critical moments to reconsider or seek help which can prevent death.

A: Firearm locks are available for free in Missouri through the resource links below. This is a partial list as county and community giveaways are constantly updating. Firearm locks are also available at select local police departments and libraries, and may also be purchased at sporting goods stores.

State of Missouri
Police Departments Providing Locks

Eureka
Eureka, MO Police Department

Kansas City Metro Area
Lock it for Love/Grandparents for Gun Safety

Manchester
Manchester, MO Police Department

St. Louis
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Lock it for Love Partners/Women’s Voices Raised

A: Having regular conversations about firearm safety with those close to you reduces the chance of family fire incidents. Make sure that gun safety and safe storage is part of your family’s safety conversation.

• Approach the conversation casually and from a point of understanding. Remain calm - emotions can escalate the conversation making it more difficult for your message to be heard.

• Explain how storing firearms safely will help keep them safe.

• Listen to the other person’s response, without interruption.

• Focus on what safe storage looks like in everyday life.

• Be prepared to share a few safe storage options.

• Give examples of firearm owners in your life who practice safe storage or see if they would be willing to join the conversation.

• If the first conversation doesn’t go the way you want, consider what you might change and try again at a later time.

A: If you are concerned that you or your loved one is in danger of hurting themselves, consider one of the below options:

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides trained crisis workers available 24/7 to guide you through options to help you or your loved one with their thoughts of suicide. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can also provide information on local resources, including treatment.

• Call or Text “988” — veterans can select “1” to be connected with someone uniquely qualified to support veterans, para Español marque “2”
• Online Chat is available at 988lifeline.org/chat
• For Deaf and Hard of Hearing users who would like to use TTY, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

The Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line provides volunteer crisis counselors through a confidential texting service that is available 24/7 in the United States.

• Text HOME to 741741 for English and AYUDA to 741741 for Spanish
• Online chat is available at connect.crisistextline.org/chat
• Message on Whatsapp

The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth & Young Adults

The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth & young adults ages 13–24

• Call (866) 488-7386
• Text “START” to 678-678
• Online chat is available at thetrevorproject.org/get-help

Find a 24-Hour Crisis Line in Your County

A: Consider one of the following local resources:

MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF EASTERN MISSOURI

Contact: 314-773-1399
www.mha-em.org

Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (MHA-EM) envisions a just, humane, and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice. They are deeply committed to promoting mental health for everyone and offer various programs designed to be educational and supportive. They work on community advocacy efforts that focus on improving access to treatment and creating better legislation on mental health issues.

MISSOURI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNCIL

Contact: 573-634-4626
mobhc.org

The Missouri Behavioral Health Council is composed of 33 member agencies that aim to reduce stigma, increase access, and support Missouri’s behavioral health professionals. They offer services ranging from advocacy and integrated care, to health information management and prevention & recovery.

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

Contact: 800-575-7480 or email [email protected]
To find a local community mental health center click here.

The Division of Behavioral Health manages programs and services for people who need help with mental illness and/or substance use. Available services are prevention, education, evaluation, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation. For more information, visit dmh.mo.gov/crisis-assistance.

MISSOURI SUICIDE PREVENTION NETWORK

Contact: 573-634-4626
mospn.org/suicide-prevention

MSPN’s goal is to coordinate and develop implementation of the Missouri Suicide Prevention Plan, based on the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. You can find the network’s recommended prevention, crisis, treatment, and recovery resources at mospn.org.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) MISSOURI

Contact: 800-950-NAMI (6264) or 573-634-7727 (not a crisis line)
namimissouri.org

NAMI Missouri is a non-profit organization that works to provide education, support and advocacy on behalf of people with serious mental illness and their families regardless of race, religion, or national origin. There are nine NAMI affiliates across the state — two (St. Louis & Southwest Missouri) have offices with professional staff, while the others are run by volunteers.

A: In Missouri, it is legal to lend your firearm to someone you know for self-defense or safe keeping. That person must be legally allowed to have a firearm. When considering who should hold on to your firearm, choose someone you trust who also has a way to safely store the firearm. If you have questions, talk to local law enforcement or a firearm retailer.

A: If you think having a firearm at home may present a danger to you or a loved one, you can store your gun outside the home. There are a few ways to do this. You can transfer your firearm to someone else. In Missouri, paperwork is not needed, but it is best to ask a trusted source if any extra steps are needed. You can usually deliver your firearm to a local police station or sheriff's department. Call ahead to ask if they accept personal firearms and what procedures are involved. Some important questions to ask include:

• Whether the firearm should be delivered to the station or if they will come to collect it.

• If you are going to the station, you will not be permitted to bring the firearm into the building. Be sure to ask how they would like you to store your firearm during the exchange.

• If they are coming to you, be sure to ask for a time frame so you can be prepared.

There are also national companies that will help you give up your firearm. The National Center for Unwanted Firearms can destroy, repurpose, or preserve unwanted firearms. You can speak to a specialist who will match you with someone to help unload, box, and send away the firearm. Call 833-448-4867 or visit unwantedfirearms.org/sell-or-donate to learn more.