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Minutes Matter: Options for Secure Firearm Storage | South Central MIRECC

Person locking up a firearm

About Minutes Matter: Options for Secure Firearm Storage

This guide and the accompanying tool are designed to help clinicians have conversations about secure firearm storage, and develop a Secure Storage Plan that Veterans can use to make changes to their firearm storage. The guide also includes information about how to use firearm cable locks on various types of firearms.

  • The One-Page Handout consists of a blank Secure Storage Plan that clinicians can use as a reference tool or interactively with a Veteran when discussing secure firearm storage. The plan emphasizes 1) places where firearms may be stored and 2) additional strategies to enhance storage practices.
  • The Short Instructions include firearm injury prevention data to support secure storage practices and instructions for developing a Secure Storage Plan.
  • The Full Guide includes basic information about firearms, skills for having effective conversations about secure firearm storage, instructions for developing a Secure Storage Plan, and additional resources.
  • The Additional Resources section at the end of this product includes links to more in-depth firearm education, places to search for storage options, and out-of-home storage locators.
  • Published 2025

This product is a best practice.

 

 

 

 

Developers

Joseph Boffa, PhD, Claire Houtsma, PhD, and Dustin Seidler, PhD.

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Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care

Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Location Directory. This page may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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Last updated: May 27, 2025

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