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living-with-guns

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
A graphic of a toolbox holding a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and pliers, with a blue tag labeled ERPO attached to the toolbox.

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TIPS

Learn More

Recognizing the Signs Isn’t Always Obvious

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/.

Preparation Leads to Safety

If you’re hosting a child for a sleepover or playdate, your preparations involve safety. Make sure to: • Keep your firearms locked in a secure safe. • Ensure firearms are out of sight and out of reach of children. • Double-check that everything is secured before guests arrive.

If You Aren’t Ready to Pull the Trigger, Keep Your Finger Off of It

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 …

It’s Okay to Ask Questions

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.
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