Many people believe suicide and firearm tragedies are not preventable. This is not the case. Oregon has a vital tool to help when people we care about may be at risk for firearm suicide: Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). These civil court orders, sometimes called red-flag laws, allow for temporary removal of firearms when a person is showing signs they may harm themselves or others. ERPOs are a proven way to prevent suicide, self-harm, and violence—because helping someone through a dangerous moment can save their life.
Spectrum of care for suicide prevention and ERPO implementation
The best thing you can do is be present and provide continued support to the individual throughout the spectrum of care and beyond.
Always practice secure firearm storage and follow gun safety rules to prevent harm.
Ask directly if you are concerned about someone and inquire about how to reduce risk of harm (secure storage, temporary out-of-home storage)
Co-develop a safety plan that increases time and distance between the individual and lethal means.
Connect with mental and community health care. If possible, accompany the individual to appointments.
Something is likely to happen soon.
SOMETHING IS HAPPENING NOW. FOR AN IMMEDIATE THREAT (SUCH AS AN INDIVIDUAL BRANDISHING OR THREATENING SOMEONE WITH A WEAPON), CALL 911.
A Lifesaving Tool to Prevent Suicide by Temporarily Removing Firearms
If someone you care about is showing signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you are not alone, and help is available. Oregon’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law provides a way to keep loved ones safe during a crisis.
When a person is experiencing a crisis, especially with access to firearms, the risk of suicide is much higher. Many families have had personal experiences where they have found that temporarily removing firearms saves lives.
Once the person is doing better, their firearms can be returned. This ensures people’s rights are protected while also keeping them safe during a critical time.
It’s natural to feel unsure or overwhelmed if someone you love seems to be in danger of harming themselves. ERPOs are meant to be a last resort when someone poses a serious threat, and other support options—like secure storage of firearms or mental health support—may not be enough on their own.
Taking action can feel uncomfortable, but your care and concern can be the turning point toward healing.
You can request an ERPO if you have one of the following relationships with the person at risk of harming themselves or others:
If you don’t meet these criteria, you can still ask local law enforcement to file an ERPO on your behalf. Sometimes, people will choose to have law enforcement file the ERPO on their behalf because it can make it easier for them to focus on caring for their loved one.
To get an ERPO, you must file a form in court with evidence that shows the person is at imminent risk of harming themselves or others. When people are at high risk of suicide, they may be acting in unusual ways and may be threatening to harm others as well.
A judge will then review the case—typically within 24 hours—and determine if an ERPO is the best way to protect that person. There is no cost to file an ERPO. An ERPO can only be issued if there is sufficient evidence for the judge to approve it. It can’t be used against others without legal evidence. There are legal consequences for false filings.
If granted, law enforcement serves the order and safely removes firearms for one year.
I have had people that have had ERPOs contact me and tell me that it was the right thing to do…. I know that it has saved lives.
— Jake Chandler, former Bend police officer
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When someone we love or care about is going through a hard time, it can be difficult to know what to do. These are tough situations.
If this person is showing increasingly worrying behaviors, such as saying they have been thinking about harming themselves, one of the most important things you can do is talk to them directly. This is especially important if they own or have access to firearms.
If you are in this situation, first call 988 to get support for yourself and guidance of what to do. Often, 988 will help guide you to directly ask the person if they are considering suicide and if they have a plan. If the answer is yes, you may then need to call 911 and get help from a paramedic while you stay with the person. Staying with the person during this time matters.
This is also a time to think about inquiring about their firearms, and how they are secured, as well as considering voluntary, temporary surrender of their firearms and other lethal means (medications, other weapons) while they are getting support. Secure storage of firearms is a key component to reducing risks of harm from guns.
If the person you care about is still showing warning signs and not open to temporary voluntary out of home storage of their firearms, this may be time to consider an ERPO.
Common questions about how ERPOs are implemented and their impact on effected parties
Expand awareness of this important tool
Process workflows to determine if an ERPO is an appropriate course of action
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