Safe storage of lethal means has been linked to which strategic target outcome (STO)?

• A. Lower likelihood of suicide
• B. Increased readiness
• C. Higher personnel turnover
• D. More accidents

Answer: (A)

Limiting access to lethal means reduces the opportunity for a suicidal act during a crisis. When firearms or other lethal tools are stored safely—unloaded, locked, and kept separate from ammunition—an individual in distress has fewer immediate options, which often slows impulsive action and buys time for intervention. That direct protection against self-harm is why this practice is tied to lowering the likelihood of suicide as a strategic target outcome.

The other outcomes aren’t a direct result of safe storage. It may support overall safety and well-being, but it doesn’t specifically target readiness, retention, or accidents in the same causal way. In practice, safe storage is a preventative measure whose main impact is reducing suicides.