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INDUSTRY LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS

Colorado needs you. You have the power to start conversations, raise awareness, and save lives by responsibly using Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

WHO CAN FILE AN EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER?

The law that created Extreme Risk Protection Orders was carefully written to prevent abuse or prejudice. Besides family members, ERPOs can only be petitioned for by select groups:

Law Enforcement Officers

Including police, sheriffs, and attorneys general.

Licensed Health Care Professionals

Including doctors, nurses and psychiatrists.

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Including psychologists, social workers and addiction counselors.

Educators

Including teachers, administrators, and higher education professionals.

District Attorneys

Find resources and a tailored e-learning for health care and mental health professionals.

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WHAT’S AN EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER?

Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are a legal form of temporary out-of-home gun storage that restricts access to guns for individuals who have demonstrated that they’re at risk for harming themselves or others.

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HOW TO PROMOTE GUN SAFETY

Be a leader in your community.

Talk to your community about gun safety and personal responsibility when owning or handling firearms. Be a resource to your community. Let them know you are to answer questions or hear concerns.

A healthcare worker gently holds a patients hand, conveying comfort and support. The patient’s hands rest on top, while the worker wears blue scrubs and a stethoscope. Only their hands and arms are visible.
Share your knowledge. Start a conversation.

If you slowly spread the word about safe gun storage and responsible shooting, you’ll help start a movement that will save lives in Colorado.

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GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TIPS

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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.

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.
A close-up of two people hugging outdoors, with the text in Spanish: Protegerás vidas al darles el tiempo que necesitan para obtener ayuda. In the corner, a speech bubble reads COLORADO Hablemos de Armas.
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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