Prevent Firearm Suicides

More than 1/3 of Gunshot deaths in Fresno County have been by suicide. Over the last 4 years, there have been over 22% more suicides that homicides in Fresno County. – Source: Fresno County Coroner.

Learn the warning signs for suicide and gun safety tip to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Help is Available

If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned about someone else, help is available right now. Call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
800-273-8255

This is not a reporting line.

By calling, you or the person you are calling about will not be added to a database.

If emergency medical care is needed, or a suicide attempt is imminent, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Storing Your Firearms Safely

If you’re worried someone is in distress, encourage them to store their guns safely and securely, locked, and unloaded. During a crisis, work collaboratively with them, their loved ones, and other trusted resources to help them remove firearms from their home until the period of distress resolves.

California Penal Code 27882 states a person can voluntarily and temporarily transfer their firearm to another person who is 18 years of age or older for safekeeping to prevent it from being accessed. The transferee must keep the firearm unloaded and secured in the transferee’s residence in one of the following ways:

Secured in a locked container
Disabled by a firearm safety device
Secured within a locked gun safe
Locked with a locking device that has rendered the firearm inoperable

Gun Safety Saves Lives

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
3. Be sure of your target and what surrounds it.
4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.
5. Safely check the barrel and action for any obstructions.
6. Unload firearm when it is not in use.
7. Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot.
8. Don’t run, jump, or climb with a loaded firearm
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely.
10. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages or use drugs before or during shooting.

Help Them Get the Support They Need

Suicidal individuals who don’t have immediate access to a lethal suicide method, such as a gun, in most cases don’t simply find another way to take their life. By separating a suicidal person from their firearm, even temporarily, you increase their chances for survival.

A Plan to Prevent Gun Suicides

Every step we take to put barriers between someone’s thoughts of and means to complete suicide reduces
the risk of a suicide attempt.

With firearms being the most lethal and most common means of suicide deaths,

it is important to reduce access to firearms for someone that is thinking about ending their life.

Reach Out

Learn the warning signs for suicide, find the words to talk to someone you are concerned about, and learn about local mental health and suicide prevention resources. The information in this brochure is brought to you by the Fresno County Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned about someone else, help is available right now. Call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
1 800 273-8255

This is not a reporting line.

By calling, you or the person you are calling about will not be added to a database.

If emergency medical care is needed, or a suicide attempt is imminent, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Here are Some Tips to Help You Keep Yourself or a Loved One Safe

Learn the Risk Factors and Warning Signs for Suicide.
- The warning signs may include:
  - Emotional crisis due to job loss, break-up, loss, or illness
  - Depression, violence, withdrawal, anger, or alcohol or drug use
  - Recent impulsiveness, expressing a desire to die
  - Putting affairs in order, giving away prized possessions, or purchase of a firearm
Keep Guns Securely Stored at All Times
Have a Conversation about Suicide Prevention
Consider Additional Safety Precautions such as Storing a Firearm Outside the Home.

Help is Available

If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned about someone else, help is available right now. Call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
1 800 273-8255

This is not a reporting line.

By calling, you or the person you are calling about will not be added to a database.

If emergency medical care is needed, or a suicide attempt is imminent, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Download Firearm Safety Brochure

CONTACT INFO

Email:
solvang@fresnocountyca.gov

Address:
1925 E. Dakota Ave.
Fresno, CA 93726