This commentary is by Seton McIlroy, the executive director of GunSense Vermont. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Last year, 140 Vermonters died by suicide, and nearly two-thirds of these deaths involved a firearm. This is why GunSense Vermont promotes Vermont’s secure storage laws. Not only does secure storage prevent children from accessing firearms in the home, but it also helps to prevent or delay a suicidal person from accessing a gun. In the most recent Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey, almost 40% of high schoolers said they could access a loaded gun from their home without their parents knowing. According to the State of Vermont, secure storage involves a sturdy gun safe, a locked chest or a trigger or cable lock. There are places throughout our state that offer free gun locks, including public libraries, police departments and county sheriffs’ offices.  In addition to securing guns, it’s important to recognize when a friend or family member is in crisis and needs help. Mental health professionals, teachers, counselors and trusted religious clergy are all good places to start. When a person is in crisis and is at risk of hurting themselves or others, an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) can temporarily remove their access to buy, have or receive guns or explosives until the crisis is over. An ERPO can be initiated by a family member, healthcare professional or law enforcement. The request is decided by a judge and reviewed 14 days later to decide if it needs to be extended. There are no charges filed, and nothing is recorded on a criminal record.  In 2025, 28 ERPO petitions were filed, 13 of which were granted because the person threatened or attempted to harm themselves. Temporarily removing access to guns gives a person in crisis time to calm down and get the help they need. READ MORE People without easy access to a gun do not necessarily find other ways to end their life. Nine out of 10 people who attempt suicide do not go on to die by suicide. Giving a person in crisis the gift of time can be the difference between life and death. Hopelessness and despair are potent emotions, but secure storage and ERPOs can be effective deterrents. This month, GunSense Vermont encourages all gun owners to make sure they have a safe, secure way to store their firearms. It could save a life. Read the story on VTDigger here: Lock up your guns. It could prevent a suicide.. ...read more read less