Safe gun storage program expanding across Nebraska

VALENTINE, Neb. — A program aimed at improving gun safety and helping prevent suicides is continuing to grow across Nebraska.

The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs is working to expand the Safe Temporary Firearm Storage initiative, which connects gun owners with locations where they can voluntarily store firearms for a period of time.

Cherry County Veterans Service Officer Ashley Blume-Vackiner said the effort has evolved since it first began.

“The main purpose of why they got started was veterans suicide. Then it moved on to it’s not just veterans. Then it moved on to people just need somewhere to store their guns,” said Blume-Vackiner.

Organizers say there are many reasons someone might choose to use temporary storage. Some people may be dealing with mental health challenges. Others may be preparing for visits from grandchildren or putting their home on the market and prefer not to have firearms present during showings.

“We have a lot of Snow Birds here who go to Arizona, and they’re gone all winter. People know that. It’s on Facebook. You might be a target for people to steal your guns,” said Blume-Vackiner.

The number of storage sites in Nebraska has recently increased from four to six, with additional locations expected to open in the coming months. Most are based at county sheriff’s offices, while some operate through gun shops.

Program leaders emphasize the sites are meant for people who are choosing to store their firearms, not for those ordered by a court.

“Nobody has to be privy to your situation. You do it. They’re not going to take your guns away from you. You just say, ‘I’m going to do this.’ Then, ‘I’m ready to get my guns back.’ Nobody even needs to know why,” said Blume-Vackiner.

While no decision has been made about whether Valentine will become a storage location, access to the service continues to expand across the state.