The word deadliest warriors is written in white on a white background.

S.A.F.E.R. TOGETHER

Storing

Ammunition &

Firearms to

Enhance

Resilience -

Together

SUPPORT SAFER TOGETHER

You can easily and quickly support our initiative buy purchasing promotional items from our online store. All proceeds above cost go directly to SAFER Together.

SAFER Together is a grassroots suicide prevention initiative dedicated to offering an additional layer of support for Military, Veterans, and First Responders (MVFR). This statewide effort aims to assemble and maintain a network of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) that provide a secure firearms and ammunition storage option for men and women within the MVFR community - especially during transitional, high-risk life events. It is important to note that this program is not associated with any “red flag” laws. Through this service, individuals can preventatively mitigate a potentially life-threatening situation by temporarily securing their firearms until they decide that the risk level has been sufficiently reduced.

A red sign that says ' ideation to action ' on it

Studies collected by the CDC found that around 25% of individuals attempt suicide within 5 minutes of first thinking about it and 48% attempt suicide within 10 minutes of ideation. This pattern underscores the impulsive nature of many suicide attempts.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Learn more about the amazing organizations that are supporting our fight to combat Military, Veteran, and First Responder suicide.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

  • If I am interested in using this program, what can I expect when I approach the FFL?

    Upon arriving to the FFL, please make sure your firearms are unloaded. Please consider using this time to also store or discard any unwanted ammunition. Inform an FFL employee that you are there to utilize the SAFER Together secure storage program. The FFL will provide you with a one-page Contact Form to complete and will make a copy of your Driver’s License. Making a copy of your Driver’s License is only to comply with Federal Regulation of requiring proper identification. Once the Contact Form is complete and reviewed by the FFL employee, you will have the opportunity to place your firearms directly into the locker system. You will be the only person able to access your firearms.

  • Will my use of this program be reported to anyone?

    No. This is a voluntary and confidential program option for you to use to allow yourself time and space between you and your firearms while you reach out for additional support.

  • Is this associated with any Red Flag Laws or Extreme Risk Protection Orders?

    No. This is a Voluntary and Confidential Program option for you to use to allow yourself time and space between you and your Firearm(s) while you reach out for additional support.

  • Can I pickup my firearms whenever I want?

    Within the operating hours of the store, yes. This is a Voluntary and Temporary option for you to utilize. We encourage you to consider a minimum of 72 hours to allow yourself time to reach out for additional assistance, but this is not a requirement. 

  • Do I have to complete a background check to pick-up my firearm?

    No. You will be the only person with access to your storage locker, meaning the FFL never receives ownership of your firearms.

  • Can someone else drop-off or pick-up my Firearm for me?

    No. The FFL will only accept the firearms from the legal owner. You will be required to attest to this when completing the storage contract between yourself and the FFL.

  • What if I am concerned about a loved one but I am not the legal Owner of their Firearms?

    We encourage you to reach out to your local Police Department or Probate Court to discuss the legal options you have specific to your situation. SAFER Together is only a Voluntary program.

  • If I decide it is not best for me to retrieve my firearms, what will happen to them?

    When completing the Contract between you and the FFL, you will have the opportunity to request contact at a specified timeframe by the FFL or a Peer Support Specialist with Bearded Warriors. At that time, you can choose to continue to securely store your firearms as they are being stored. This does not impact your ability to pick-up your firearms when you choose is the right time for you.

  • What happens if I do not answer when the FFL or Peer Support Specialist with Bearded Warriors calls?

    Your Alternate Point of Contact listed on the Contract you complete with the FFL will be contacted after 3 unsuccessful attempts.

  • What is a Veteran Peer Support Specialist?

    Someone who has been where you are at this moment and can share their story in hopes of helping you navigate this point in time. This is not a therapist or doctor, but someone who has lived experience and wants to reach out to help you.

  • What happens if my Firearms are stolen or damaged during storage?

    The FFL is not responsible for any stolen or damaged property. This Disclaimer is included on the Contract you complete with the FFL.

FOR FFL PARTNERS

  • Why should I consider supporting this program?

    By considering this program, you are taking the first step in acknowledging the relationship between suicides and firearms. You have an opportunity to provide a Voluntary, Temporary and Confidential resource to your customers and your community. By participating in this program, you are declaring a joint effort in ending suicide in our Military, Veteran and First Responders.

  • Why would someone choose to store their firearms out of their homes?

    There are many reasons and ways someone can create time and space between themselves and their method of choice. Some reasons could include something as simple as an individual having family over that is not familiar with firearm(s) and they are wanting to keep their home safe from incident or preparing to travel for a bit of time and wanting to securely store their firearm(s) outside of the home. Other reasons could include an increased risk of a loved one and wanting to make sure their firearms are not accessible to do harm, an increase in relationship strain between partners and proactively making sure impulsive actions are inaccessible or just knowing regardless of the situation, storing the firearms at their trusted FFL is best for their current situation.

  • What is required from my FFL to be part of this program?

    An initial meeting with a SAFER Together partner to discuss your interest in this program and answer any questions you might have prior to agreeing to participate. 

  • How do I order a Suicide Prevention Toolkit from the NSSF?

    You will order a Suicide Prevention Toolkit from The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) which includes Brochures. We ask that you place these throughout your store. The brochures are designed for customers discussing suicide, risk factors and warning signs, as well as resources available to your customer. You will also be provided with Veterans Crisis Line promotional items you can place alongside of the NSSF information.

  • What are my reporting responsibilities?

    We will send out a monthly email requesting your feedback on the conversations your staff are having within your store, any training requests, any promotional item needs and ask for simple numbers of how many times the program has been used over the last month, not personal identifiable information, just how many times someone has utilized the program so we can track the use. You can choose how you want to track this for a way that works for your store.

  • What can I expect as a partner to this program?

      A network of supportive community partners to help you as your implement this program
  • Does the ATF support this program?

    The ATF released an Open Letter to all FFLs on July 24, 2023 to help clarify the process of firearm storage services. The first option highlighted in the Open Letter is the approach SAFER Together is pursuing – “Providing a Storage Locker for Individual Use”. Feel free to reach out to your local ATF Office to discuss any further questions or concerns.

    Read the Letter
  • Is there any additional insurance coverage needed for a program like this?

    Please reach out to your insurance to verify this for your policy and store.

  • Is there any legislation supporting this program?

    Currently the Alabama National Guard is leading the way for a Hold Harmless Bill to protect your store from any liability concerns. The hope is this legislation will pass during this upcoming legislative session.

PROPOSED LEGISLATION

We cannot reasonably expect Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) to participate in this suicide prevention effort without assurances that they will be held harmless in the event of an adverse incident through a clear legal framework. The proposed HOUSTON HUNTER BILL would codify firearms hold agreements between individual firearms owners and FFLs (or participating municipal / county law enforcement officers) and provide those FFLs / LEOs with civil immunity while lawfully participating in such agreements.

QUICK FACTS

  • The bill maintains compliance with the ATF’s guidance on providing storage lockers for individual use, as per the DOJ’s open letter to FFLs (24 July 2023)
  • This legislation showcases the state of Alabama’s dedication to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - through the Governor’s Challenge - by focusing on lethal means safety and safety planning
  • The bill’s namesakes are Houston Tumlin and Hunter Whitley - two Alabama Veterans who tragically took their own lives after battling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

READ THEIR STORIES

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