Store It Safe! To Prevent Suicide Jackson County

Store It Safe! is a campaign currently taking place throughout Jackson County to highlight the need for safe storage of firearms as an important suicide prevention measure. Since 2004, the majority of deaths by suicide in Jackson County were from gun-related incidents. This trend led to a collaboration between Together for Jackson County Kids and Jackson County Behavioral Health to promote firearm safety. This campaign includes a prominent billboard, education materials, social media posts, and free gun locks available to all Jackson County residents (while supplies last).

Secure storage of firearms is known to reduce suicide risk and is an important step to protect someone in distress. When someone’s first suicide attempt is by gun, it is much more likely to be fatal than if a first attempt is through another means, such as pills. In those cases, a person is far more likely to have a second chance to reconsider their choice and get help.

Additionally, it is a common misconception is that suicide is a well-planned out decision. In actuality, it is often an impulsive decision, made very quickly in the moment. By storing guns safely, you can give yourself or your loved one the little bit of extra time to rethink the decision. That added time can make a big difference.

Safe storage of firearms includes storing guns in a secure and locked location, using a trigger lock on each gun, storing firearms unloaded, and storing your ammunition in a separate location from the firearm. These steps not only add to the time it takes to access a firearm for yourself, but also helps to prevent unintended or accidental gun use by another individual, especially a child or teen.

The Store It Safe campaign with free gun locks, education materials, and a billboard are funded through Together for Jackson County Kids, the Dan Carpenter and Gary Notbusch Memorial Poker Ride, and funds provided by the former Greater Black River Area Safety Council.

Anyone interested in getting a free gun lock can pick one up at Jackson County Behavioral Health in Black River Falls, or at the village halls in Alma Center, Melrose, Merrillan, and Taylor (while supplies last).

We can all help prevent suicide by watching for signs that someone is struggling and reaching out. You can call or text 988 at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you are feeling suicidal or in crisis. Locally, you can also call the Jackson County Crisis Line through Northwest Connections at 888-552-6642.