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LIVING WITH GUNS

By promoting safe storage and open dialogue, we can protect those we care about and foster a culture of personal responsibility.

IT’S OK TO ASK

A blue speech-bubble graphic containing the text: “My child is pretty curious. Is there a gun or anything else dangerous he might get into? How do you secure your guns?”
A blue speech-bubble graphic containing the text: “Our doctor recommended that I check to make sure there are no guns where my child plays. Do you have any guns he could find? How do you secure your guns?”

MYTHS (Hover over each card to flip)

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It’s enough for just the gun owner to know the basics of gun safety.
Involving your family in gun safety discussions creates a shared understanding and ensures everyone knows how to respond in case of an emergency. Talk, teach, and preach gun safety within your household.
Two blue arrows, one pointing left and the other pointing right, are arranged in parallel, representing the concept of exchange, swap, or transfer. The background is light gray.
Children are too young to understand gun safety rules.
As soon as your kids are aware of guns, you should talk to them about gun safety. Let them know guns are dangerous, and if they see one, they should leave it alone and tell a trusted adult right away.
Two blue arrows, one pointing left and the other pointing right, are arranged in parallel, representing the concept of exchange, swap, or transfer. The background is light gray.
Keeping guns hidden is enough to keep them away from children.
One in three Colorado middle and high school students report they can get a firearm, with many of them able to do so in under 10 minutes. The safest approach is to store guns locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition in a secure safe or lockbox.
Two blue arrows, one pointing left and the other pointing right, are arranged in parallel, representing the concept of exchange, swap, or transfer. The background is light gray.
Teens can safely use firearms without adult supervision after learning basic gun handling.
Make sure teens understand the basics of gun safety. They should treat every gun like it's loaded, and should only use guns under the direct supervision of a trainer, parent, or other trusted adult.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT

EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS

Extreme Risk Protection Orders are used when a gun owner poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themself or others by having access to a firearm. Maybe they have made credible threats to their own safety or to the safety of family members, coworkers, schoolmates, or others. In these moments, family members now have another way to help prevent violence and save lives.

Learn More
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Information icon inside a dark blue speech bubble.
ERPO Training for Family and Community Members
This 30-minute module from the Colorado Department of Law explains how to recognize escalating safety concerns, when an Extreme Risk Protection Order may be an appropriate tool, and what steps eligible family or household members can take. Access the training on the Department of Law webpage Bold black icon of two interlocked chain links, tilted diagonally on a white background..
Take the course for family and community members.

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TIPS

Learn More

Pass Down the Lesson of Safety

Who taught you how to handle a firearm safely? For many people, it was a parent, grandparent, or trusted mentor who passed down lessons about respect, awareness, and safe handling.

Those lessons still matter today, especially when it comes to how firearms are stored and handled. Help pass them on to the next generation.

Knowledge is Always Useful

Firearm safety knowledge is useful, even if you don’t own a gun. Knowing how firearms should be stored securely can help you ask questions and speak up if something feels off.

That way, you are looking out for the safety of yourselves and others.

Learn more about secure storage and different types at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/safe-gun-storage-option/.

Mental Health Awareness

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize how secure firearm storage can save lives.

Studies show that nearly half of suicide attempts happen within 10 minutes of a person deciding to act.

Storing your firearm in a locked container creates a vital time buffer. This delay can create enough time for a crisis to pass or for someone to seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. You can confidentially call or text the 988 lifeline, or visit 988colorado.com for support.

A Tool to Help a High-Risk Moment

In a high-risk moment when someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, creating time and distance can save lives. An Extreme Risk Protection Order can help make that possible by temporarily removing access to firearms so that someone can get the help and support they need.

Learn more about ERPOs https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/extreme-risk-protection-orders/.

Two people embrace closely. Overlaid text reads, Protecting lives and giving people the time they need to get help. A speech bubble graphic in the corner says, Lets Talk Guns Colorado.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) help protect people who may be at-risk to themselves or others. By petitioning a judge for temporary firearm access restrictions, ERPOs provide a critical tool for preventing tragedies. It’s about protecting lives and ensuring that individuals get the help they need during a crisis.
Two people ride a ski lift above a snowy, tree-lined mountain slope. A large speech bubble on the image reads, How do you secure your gun?.
Two people sit on a ski lift over a snowy slope surrounded by trees. A speech bubble in Spanish asks, “¿Cómo guardas tu arma de fuego?” and a blue box below reads, “COLORADO Hablemos de Armas.”.
The responsibility of gun safety can continue long after you’ve finished using and storing your firearm. Talking about gun safety with those around you can make a difference in preventing unintentional gun injuries.
Two people sit on grass in the mountains, seen from behind. One has a blanket over their shoulders. A speech bubble above them says, You own a gun, right?.
Two people sit on grassy terrain facing distant mountains under a cloudy sky. A speech bubble above them reads ¿Cómo la guardas? in Spanish.
Gun safety is a complex issue that can be hard to talk about with others. Let’s come together and find common ground to talk about preventing gun violence. We can unite to create a safer Colorado.

Is it an emergency?

Dial 911 for immediate assistance.

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© 2025 Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment