GUN SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU
Whether you own a gun, live with one in your home or want to play a role in gun violence prevention, explore tips and information here.
If you’re not ready to pull the trigger or your sights are not on your target, keep your finger off the trigger. Extend your index finger on the slide or frame of the gun, as high you can and away from the trigger guard. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire is …
The most common place for firearms to be stolen is from cars parked just outside the home (Source: Colorado Division of Criminal Justice). Even familiar neighborhoods can have theft. Many break-ins happen just steps from the front door. Vehicles can be entered quickly, and an unsecured firearm can be stolen in minutes. That’s why secure storage matters …
Secure firearm storage often starts with a locked safe. From there, some owners choose to ad extra layers of protection, such as: • Anchoring the safe so it can’t be easily removed. • Storing ammunition separately. • Using a cable or trigger lock along with a locked container. • Limiting who knows the combination or has access to keys. Adding …
Technology is changing how gun owners approach firearm safety and responsible storage. Explore some modern tools that can make a big difference in preventing unauthorized access: • Smart gun safes that send alerts if they're opened or compromised. • Biometric safes and locks that limit access to authorized users only. • Smart cable locks that track the gun’s …
As a gun owner, you know how important it is to pick the right storage for your situation. You've got different storage choices, and each offers a unique mix of safety and easy access. Some options keep the whole gun locked up, while others just focus on preventing it from firing while allowing for easy transport. Check …
Jacket pockets are perfect for keeping your hands warm in winter, but not so perfect for concealed carry of a firearm. Here’s why: • Pockets move, flop, and swing with every step. • Jackets get left on hooks or chairs within easy reach of others. • A pocket does not shield the trigger the way a proper holster …
Stolen firearms are nearly nine times more likely to be recovered in a crime, which means a missing firearm carries a much higher risk of being used to harm someone (source: Violence Prevention Research Program). If your firearm is lost or stolen, report it to local law enforcement immediately. Timely reporting helps police recover it sooner …
Your sense of responsibility is what makes you a responsible gun owner in Colorado. Your daily choices set the tone: • Safety-first handling shows responsibility for your equipment and respect for those around you. • Setting up a space where you know exactly who has access and how to secure your firearms against unauthorized access. • Sharing …
A common question among firearm owners: “If I use my firearm often, do I really need to lock it every time?” The answer? Yes, you do. Quick-access safes open fast. Cable locks clip on in seconds. Lock boxes move with you. Skipping storage can lead to firearms being accessible to unauthorized users. Find storage options that fit …
More common than you might think: Over 1 in 4 firearm owners in Colorado have temporarily stored a firearm outside their home in the past five years. Responsible firearm ownership includes knowing when to safely store firearms away from home, such as during travel, when guests are visiting, or when supporting a loved one’s mental health. Find …
Done at the range or wrapping up a hunt? A quick cleanup keeps your firearm reliable and you safe. • Double-check that the chamber has been unloaded and inspect it for wear. • Wipe away dirt or moisture, and clean the barrel to prevent buildup or rust. • Add a light coat of oil, and then store it …
Gearing up for a big game hunt? In Colorado, the law states that hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, plus a matching hat. These bright colors help hunters stay visible to one another, while big game animals see them very differently. Remember, camouflage patterns, even in those …
A common question from Colorado firearm owners is how to safely store a concealed carry firearm when it's not on you. • In your car: Use a lockbox designed for vehicles, ideally secured to the car frame. A glovebox or center console is not secure. • At home: Store your firearm in a locked safe or lockbox. …
In Colorado, almost 3 in 10 gun owners keep at least one firearm loaded and unlocked. That is nearly a third of households where kids, teens, or even guests could gain unauthorized access to a firearm. The safest option? Store firearms locked, unloaded, and out of sight. Because protecting the people you care about is always …
Between 2019 and 2023, there were 252 firearm deaths among children under the age of 18 in Colorado. If you have firearms at home, there are steps you can take to keep your children safe and reduce the risk of unintentional injuries, suicides, and unauthorized access. Learn more about strategies to help keep kids safer with …
It’s always a good time to give your firearm storage a quick safety check. Check your locks, test your safes, and make sure your storage setup is solid. Change all outdated passcodes and make sure every firearm is secure and out of reach from anyone who should not have it. A few simple steps now can save …
No matter the season, it’s always a good idea for gun owners to give their storage a quick safety check. With friends and family around your house, here's a quick checklist that's good to keep in mind: • Are guns unloaded? • Are your firearms locked up? • Is the gun storage out of sight? Need more information …
A locked gun safe is a good move. Want to take it up a notch? Place it somewhere out of sight. Keeping it tucked away adds another layer of protection against theft, accidents, and unauthorized access. There are plenty of ways to secure your firearm while still keeping it close and accessible when you need it. …
We know responsible gun owners care about safety and readiness. You keep your firearm in a safe place to prevent accidents, and that makes a difference. For even stronger protection, store your ammunition separately, but still where you can reach it quickly. It only takes a few extra seconds to access your ammo, load your …
Nearly 32,600 lost and stolen firearms were recovered in Colorado between 2018 and 2022. When a firearm goes missing, time matters. Colorado law requires reporting a lost or stolen gun to local law enforcement within five days. Timely reporting speeds up tracing, boosts the chance of recovery, and helps keep communities safer. Learn more about reporting lost …
No one thinks their firearms will be stolen or lost. Keeping detailed records of your firearms can help make recovery easier if the unthinkable happens. • Write down the make, model, and serial number. • Add a short description with any unique details. • Take clear photos from multiple angles. If a firearm is ever stolen, report it to …
Out enjoying Colorado’s open spaces for a little target practice? Remember these simple guidelines: • Check local ordinances and laws. • Use a solid backstop to safely stop bullets and avoid dangerous ricochets. • Make sure your target is set up in a safe direction, with no people, roads, or trails behind it. • Clean up all targets, casings, …
Heading out on a road trip? Leaving guns in your car overnight can make your vehicle an easy target for theft. If there is no way around it, unload the firearm, lock it in a secure container, and hide it, ideally in a locked trunk. Before you leave, double-check that every door is locked. The …
You’re ready for vacation. You double-checked that the garage door is closed, locked the doors, and set the thermostat, but what about your firearms? Before you leave: Unload firearms and lock them in a secure, out-of-sight location, or consider off-site storage. While you're away: Keep storage details private, avoid posting vacation plans, and ensure no one, house …
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) is one tool that can temporarily restrict firearm access when someone has demonstrated that they’re a risk to themself or others.
An ERPO helps handle the immediate danger by making firearms less accessible, while mental health care and crisis resources can help address what is driving the crisis.
Learn more about ERPOs at https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/extreme-risk-protection…/
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are a temporary measure designed to prevent tragedy when someone in crisis poses a threat to themselves or others by having access to firearms.
Research shows that people across Colorado share similar views about this option. Over 70% of Coloradans support ERPOs in high-risk situations (source: AJPM Focus Journal).
Learn more about this lifesaving tool at https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/extreme-risk-protection….
If you are worried that someone may be at risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm, Colorado has tools that can help keep people safe. There are steps you can take to support someone in crisis, and an Extreme Risk Protection Order is one of the options available.
Learn more at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/extreme-risk-protection-orders.
Colorado now offers two e-learning courses on Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), tools that can help when someone poses a threat to themselves or others by having access to their firearm.
- • For health care and mental health professionals: Learn how to identify risk, understand the ERPO process, and navigate next steps.
Find the course here: https://bit.ly/3KSYShQ
- • For educators and school staff: Gain guidance on recognizing warning signs, coordinating a response, and understanding ERPO filing.
Course for higher education: https://bit.ly/42Neo4V
Course for K–12: http://bit.ly/3IPp7VX
Just as guardrails on a mountain road can keep you safer while driving, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) can help keep you or your loved one safe during a crisis. In Colorado, an ERPO is a guardrail that temporarily creates space between a person in crisis and firearms to help prevent harm and provide space for healing.
Learn more about ERPOs at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/Extreme-Risk-Protection-Orders/.
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) can be used when a gun owner in crisis poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themself or others by having access to a firearm.
The goal is simple: help prevent a bad day from turning into a tragic one by giving someone in crisis the chance to get the help they need.
Learn more about ERPOs in Colorado at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/extreme-risk-protection-orders/.
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) temporarily prevents someone in crisis from accessing firearms when they pose an immediate risk to themselves or others.
Here is why that matters: ERPOs create a temporary pause that gives individuals time to connect with mental health resources and support during a challenging moment. Learn more about ERPOs at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/Extreme-Risk-Protection-Orders/
When someone is in crisis and other steps have not been successful or are not possible, an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) allows firearms to be temporarily separated from someone who poses a risk of harming themselves or others.
ERPOs create space for someone to get the help they need. Find out more at https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/extreme-risk-protection…/.
Suicidal ideation warning signs in teens can be difficult to recognize and aren’t always obvious.
Learning about changes in behavior, mood, or withdrawal can help parents and caregivers respond early. Conversations about mental health and access to support are an important part of prevention.
Explore the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention guide for parents https://afsp.org/teens-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know/.
When someone shows signs of harming themselves or others, an Extreme Risk Protection Order may help prevent tragedy.
If someone is showing extreme emotional distress, acting recklessly with a firearm, or escalating threats, it may be time to consider additional safety measures.
An Extreme Risk Protection Order can temporarily pause firearm access during a crisis to help prevent tragedy and create time for support and recovery.
Learn how Extreme Risk Protection Orders can help save lives at https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/extreme-risk-protection…/
For some people, asking for help can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Knowing what happens next can make that step easier.
988 is Colorado’s mental health crisis line. You can call, text, or chat 24/7 with a trained specialist who will listen, ask a few clarifying questions, and then help you brainstorm practical next steps or available resources.
Getting support early can help keep a tough moment from turning into a crisis. Learn more about how 988 works in Colorado at https://www.988colorado.com/en/what-is-988
You may not own a gun, but you still have a role to play in strengthening responsible firearm practices in Colorado:
Spark conversations about secure storage.
Encourage the people around you as they build responsible habits.
Pay attention to the moments when someone might need support.
Find ways to start the conversation at https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/working-together/.
From 2019 to 2023, construction workers experienced more than twice the number of firearm related suicides compared to the next highest industry in Colorado (source: CDPHE Colorado Violent Death Reporting System).
We can look out for our fellow Coloradans by reaching out, staying connected, and helping make sure they have the support they need.
Support is available through 988Colorado.com by chat, text, or call.
As a member of Colorado’s firearm community, you are a trusted voice. Use that trust to promote safety and care.
- • Start the conversation: If you are concerned about a fellow gun owner, be direct but compassionate.
- • Normalize help: Mental health care is a sign of strength, not weakness. Encourage others to seek support just as they would for a physical injury.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988. For more ways to talk about firearms, head to LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/Collective-Responsibility/.
If a young person in your life is going through a tough time, they don’t have to do it alone. The I Matter program provides up to six free, confidential therapy sessions for all Colorado youth. Sign up at imattercolorado.org. If they need urgent help, call or text 988.
Sometimes, stress can pile up, feeling like a heavy weight pressing down on you. Ask yourself, “Is this burden heavier than I can carry right now?” If it feels like too much, do not ignore it. Step back, take a break, talk to someone you trust, or reach out for support.
Talk to someone at 988colorado.com or find ways to care for your mental health at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/…/caring-for-your-mental-health.
Asking questions is part of being a responsible gun owner.
Asking how a lock works, how to change a safe combination, or how to store a firearm securely isn’t inexperience. It’s a commitment to safety. Most accidents happen when people assume they already know. Take time to ask, verify, and learn.
If your child is going to visit another house, it makes sense to ask the homeowner about their firearm safe storage practices. Here are a few ways to start the conversation:
- • Tie in safe firearm storage as part of your usual safety check, alongside things like pets or allergies.
- • Keep the chat friendly and focused on safety.
Find more ways to start the conversation at https://letstalkgunscolorado.com/working-together/
Children usually find unsecured guns in familiar places like their home or a relative’s home. Here is how to prevent that risk.
- • Lock up your gun securely so your child can’t get to it, and keep any passcodes or keys completely hidden.
- • Talk with friends and family about how they keep their guns stored.
Find ways to start the conversation at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com/collective-responsibility/.
When you’re relaxed, it’s easier to talk about important topics like mental health and firearms. Whether you are on a drive, watching a show, or on a hike, choose a moment when the pressure is off to talk about gun safety.
Find ways to talk about guns at LetsTalkGunsColorado.com.
Nearly 30% of Colorado middle and high schoolers say they could access a loaded gun without adult permission. One of the best ways to keep kids safe? Talk to them about firearm safety. Talk honestly about real-life risks and responsibilities. Make sure kids understand that curiosity and peer pressure can lead to danger.
Visit LetsTalkGunsColorado.com for more resources to start the conversation.
Being open about your own firearm storage can help keep conversations comfortable and stress-free for everyone involved. Check out the conversation guide at AgreetoAgree.org/conversation-guides/secure-gun-storage for practical tips on starting the conversation, answering questions, and what comes next.
Over time, health conditions, memory shifts, or physical changes can make it harder to handle firearms safely, even for experienced owners. That’s why it can help to plan ahead. Talk with someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or doctor, about what makes sense moving forward. That might include storage options or passing down firearms as part of your legacy.
Someone handling a firearm unsafely can put everyone at risk. Speaking up isn’t always easy, but as responsible gun owners, we have a shared duty to promote safety. A simple conversation could help prevent an accident and even save a life.
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