Suicide-Safer Homes Checklist: Before a Crisis

A Prevention Resource

Creating a suicide-safer home is not about fear — it’s about support, compassion, and reducing risk in the moments when someone might feel overwhelmed. A safer environment gives people time, space, and protection during vulnerable periods.

This guide applies to both youth and adults, with a few notes where the approach may differ.

Why Suicide-Safer Homes Matter

Many moments (not always) of suicidal thinking are brief and impulsive. A safer home helps prevent someone from acting during these high-risk moments by reducing access to methods that could cause harm.

This is one of the most effective, immediate actions families and caregivers can take.

General Safety Principles

These principles apply to all ages:

  • Reduce access to anything that could cause serious harm
  • Store potentially dangerous items securely and out of sight
  • Create predictable check-ins with the person you’re worried about
  • Keep the environment calm, supportive, and low-stress
  • Approach safety conversations with care, not criticism

For youth, adults take the lead.
For adults, the conversation is collaborative, respectful, and centered on safety.

1. Medications

This is one of the most important areas to address.

Store medications:

  • In a locked box or cabinet
  • In a place the at-risk person does not have unsupervised access to
  • Including over-the-counter items (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, sleep aids, allergy meds)

For youth:

  • An adult should dispense daily meds
  • Keep only small quantities accessible at one time

For adults:

  • Create a joint plan for medication safety
  • A trusted person may temporarily hold or store medications safely if risk is high

2. Sharp Objects

Examples include knives, razor blades, box cutters, scissors, pencil sharpeners and tools.

Where possible:

  • Lock away high-risk sharp tools
  • Store kitchen knives out of sight
  • Use smaller sets of items day-to-day and keep the rest stored securely

If living with youth, consider keeping frequently used items (kitchen knives or razors) in supervised or limited-access locations.

3. Firearm Safety (If Applicable)

If your home contains firearms:

  • Store firearms unloaded
  • Lock them in a secure gun safe
  • Lock ammunition separately
  • Ensure the at-risk person does not have access to keys or combinations

For adolescents, all firearms should be inaccessible at all times.

4. Substances

Alcohol, cannabis, and other substances can increase risk by lowering inhibitions.

Safer practices include:

  • Reducing or removing alcohol from the home
  • Storing cannabis products securely
  • Keeping substances out of sight and inaccessible
  • Limiting large quantities of any substance during a high-risk period

5. Household Items & Tools

Some everyday objects can be hazardous during moments of crisis.

Consider limiting access to:

  • Power tools
  • Ropes, cords, or belts
  • Chemicals or solvents
  • Ladders (if relevant to your home setup)

This does not need to be permanent, but while during high-risk periods.

6. Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

Safety is more than locked items. It’s also emotional, relational, and environmental.

Helpful strategies:

  • Predictable daily routines
  • Supportive, nonjudgmental conversations
  • Regular check-ins (morning, mid-day, evening)
  • Reduced isolation
  • Calmer spaces with lower sensory overwhelm
  • Encouraging healthy coping (movement, rest, grounding)

Youth may need more structure; adults may want collaborative involvement.

7. Emergency Planning

Have a clear plan ready before you need it.

Include:

  • Crisis numbers in visible places (fridge, note in phone)
  • Who to call if emotional distress escalates
  • A plan for safe transportation if emergency support is needed
  • Agreements around check-ins and communication

Everyone in the home should understand the plan.

8. How to Talk About Home Safety Without Shame

Approach the conversation gently:

  • “This is just about keeping you safe during a tough time.”
  • “This isn’t about taking things away — it’s about making things easier for you.”
  • “We’re doing this together because your life matters.”

Avoid language that feels blaming or punitive.

9. When to Increase Safety Measures

Increase safety if:

  • Someone expresses suicidal thoughts
  • There’s been a recent crisis, setback, or major stress
  • You notice sudden withdrawal or behaviour changes
  • Your instincts are telling you something feels off

You can always loosen restrictions again when risk decreases.

Important: Anchored Wings Initiative provides education, awareness, and community-based resources. We are not a crisis line and do not provide counselling, therapy, medical advice, or emergency response.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.