Gun Violence Prevention
Gun Violence Prevention for Parents & Guardians of K-12 Students
AS REQUIRED by state law (House Bill 25-1250), the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is making gun violence prevention material publicly available for educational providers to access and distribute to parents, guardians, and legal custodians of elementary or secondary school students. This resource outlines steps you can take to keep your children safe and reduce the risk of unintentional injuries, suicides, and firearm theft (Source: Grossman, D.C., et al. Gun storage practices and risk of youth suicide and unintentional firearm injuries. JAMA. 2005.).
Firearm Safe Storage
Research shows that hiding firearms is less effective than using secure storage methods. Children and youth often know hiding locations and can access firearms if not securely stored. In Colorado, most firearm deaths are by suicide (over 70%) (CDPHE, Colorado Firearm Data Dashboard, 2025). In addition, one in three Colorado middle and high school students report they can get a firearm, with many of them able to do so in under 10 minutes. (Source: Wright-Kelly, E. et al., Perceived Access to a Loaded Firearm Among Youths in Colorado, JAMA Netw Open, 2025.)
Secure storage devices (e.g., trigger locks, safes) can be purchased from firearm retail and sporting goods locations across Colorado. Devices may also be available for free through Colorado health care providers and law enforcement agencies. Learn more about safe firearm storage options for your home and vehicle by visiting letstalkgunscolorado.com/gun-owners/ safe-gun-storage-options/.
Data Highlights one in three Colorado middle and high school students report they can get a firearm, with many of them able to do so in under 10 min. 49% of firearm deaths in youth ages 10-18 in Colorado are by suicide.
Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms
Colorado law requires firearm owners to report a lost or stolen firearm to a local law enforcement agency within five days of discovering the loss or theft. Reporting these incidents promptly gives law enforcement a head start (and may even help you recover your firearm). Read more at cbi.colorado.gov/sites/ cbi/files/Firearm%20113.pdf.
The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line
If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional, mental health, or substance use concern, call or text 988 or chat with 988 at 988colorado.com. The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available for free, immediate, human support 24/7.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Extreme Risk Protection Orders are a legal tool that can help decrease firearm-related suicide and violence. Other tools include safe gun storage, voluntary out-of-home gun storage when someone is experiencing a crisis, and mental health and substance use treatment services. Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are issued by judges to temporarily limit access to firearms for individuals considered at risk of harming themselves or others. Learn more at letstalkgunscolorado.com/ extreme-risk-protection-orders/.
Colorado Firearm Laws and Regulations
Both the federal government and Colorado have laws about who can legally get, own, or use firearms. Colorado law requires firearm owners to securely store firearms — using a locking device, gun safe, or gun cabinet — to prevent unauthorized access by children and those prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal laws. These laws help keep communities safe from firearm-related harm. Find more information on the laws currently in place in Colorado by visiting cdphe.colorado.gov/colorado-gun-violence-prevention-resource-bank/colorado-firearm-laws-and-regulations and cbi.colorado.gov/ sections/firearms-instacheck-unit/ firearm-legislation-rules-and-statutes.
Additional Resources
• Talking with kids about gun safety: projectchildsafe.org/understanding-gun-safety/
• Anonymously report any threatening behavior endangering your student, their friends, your family, your child’s school, or your community: safe2tell.org/parents/
• School Safety and Crisis Resources: cde.state.co.us/safeschools
Learn more about the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and preventing injury and death in Colorado:
cdphe.colorado.gov/office-of-gun-violence-prevention
