Making the home safer

• The single biggest step is making sure your loved one doesn’t have access to firearms during a crisis.
Learn more about why this one change can make a big difference.
• If your Veteran has firearms at home, learn about out-of-home and in-home storage options to keep them safer in a suicidal crisis.

What about other suicide methods?

• Pills are the most common method of attempt. Make sure pills at home can’t do serious harm:
  • Get rid of medications you don’t use anymore—especially prescription pain pills.
  • Just keep small amounts of necessary medications unlocked.
  • Ask a pharmacist (e.g., at CVS, RiteAid) for advice on what’s a safe quantity to keep on hand.
  • Lock the rest. Make sure the lock box is sturdy and the lock can’t be pried open.
  • A simple steel toolbox with a sturdy padlock doesn’t cost too much (under $30).
• If there are other suicide methods your loved one has said they might use, try to prevent access to them.
• Some methods can’t realistically be made inaccessible at home (like all of the things that can be used in a hanging).
  • But some things can be kept out of sight, such as keeping knives and razors in drawers rather than out in the open or in a knife block. Or keep them locked away except when needed for cooking or shaving.
  • If your loved one talks about using things that cannot be made inaccessible, see if they will agree not to be alone at home when they’re feeling suicidal. Activate their support network to help cover staying with them during tough periods.
• Don’t forget about firearms! Securing them when your loved one is suicidal is the #1 way you can keep your loved one safer.

Keeping guns and dangerous meds from your loved one is a big help—
but only one part of preventing suicide.