At Close of National Safety Awareness Campaign, NSSF Urges Year-Round Emphasis

NSSF^®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, celebrates the successful conclusion of Gun Storage Check Week^®, observed Sept. 1–7 to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout Gun Storage Check Week, millions of gun owners were reminded of the "Make Sure It's Secure^®" message to review their storage practices and help prevent unwanted access to firearms when not in use.

"NSSF thanks the many gun owners, retailers, ranges, firearm industry companies and organizations, as well as the law enforcement community, for their staunch support of Gun Storage Check Week," said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. "The 'Make Sure It's Secure' message is relevant year-round, but at the start of National Suicide Prevention Month it's paramount. Suicide is preventable. We know securely storing firearms when not in use saves lives, and we encourage everyone to continue periodically evaluating their storage practices as their lifestyles and preferences change."

While this national safety awareness campaign has reached its conclusion, the conversation surrounding the secure storage of firearms is a continuous endeavor. NSSF is committed to informing firearm owners and their families about the steps they can take to ensure firearms are securely stored and help prevent suicide. These steps include:

• The knowledge that suicide is preventable.
• Trust your gut and connect with someone you're worried about.
• Be aware if you or someone you know is struggling, call/text/chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Know that securely storing firearms when not in use provides time and distance for someone in a moment of crisis. This time provides space for immediate thoughts of suicide to pass, enabling someone in crisis the opportunity to seek support.

GunStorageCheck.org remains available as a trusted yearlong resource for gun owners, providing helpful information on firearm storage options to fit any use or lifestyle, as well as additional resources to promote safety in the home.

Gun Storage Check Week will return in 2027: June 1–7 in National Safety Month, and Sept. 1–7 in National Suicide Prevention Month.

About NSSF: NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.