Secure Storage
- Get Help
- Secure Storage
What is Means Safety?
Suicide crises are often short-lived. If you can reduce access to the “means” for someone’s suicide plan — such as firearms, medications or similar objects and substances — a life can be saved.
50% of suicide deaths in South Dakota are firearm-related and 10% are poisoning-related.
What Can Reduce Risk?
- Restricting access to pesticides, alcohol and other substances
- Securely storing over-the-counter and prescription medicines and properly disposing of unused medications
- Using a gun safety lock on all firearms
- You can also ask your local police department or shooting range to temporarily store firearms
- Paying attention to family members’ moods and behaviors
- If you notice significant changes, talk to them or call, text or chat 988
Safeguarding Your Home
A few easy but effective steps can help protect your family — and perhaps save a life.
Secure Storage Resources
Safety Tools
Additional Training Courses
Free training programs are available to individuals and organizations who want to reduce the risk of suicide for their loved ones.
- Means Safety
- Mental Health First Aid
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
- NAMI Ending the Silence
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)