The mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio , and El Paso, Texas , this past weekend have once again revived calls for red flag laws to keep firearms out of the hands of those who could pose a threat to themselves or others.

At least 31 people were killed during the weekends shootings, and both President Donald Trump and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) have called for new legislation , even in GOP-held bastions, to prevent further gun violence.

Heres what you should know about red flag laws:

What do red flag laws do?

Red flag laws, also called extreme risk laws, allow the courts to temporarily block a person from obtaining new firearms or to confiscate those they already legally own for a set amount of time. Under the laws, family members and members of law enforcement can ask the court system to intervene when a person is deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.

The definition of risk varies among jurisdictions but often focuses on patterns of violent behavior, substance abuse or the recent acquisition of new guns, according to the Brady Campaign, a gun control advocacy group.

The protection orders are only temporary, and those subject to red flag laws are allowed to present evidence on their behalf. But the orders can also be extended with further court intervention.

Everytown, a gun safety group, notes that federal law only prohibits people from purchasing weapons under limited circumstances , including if they are convicted of certain crimes or have been formally declared mentally ill.

A person who displays warning signs that theyre considering suicide or other acts of violence, but who does not fall into any of the above categories or is otherwise not prohibited under current law, would still be able to legally buy and possess guns, Everytown notes. Extreme Risk laws help to fill this gap, protecting public safety and allowing people in crisis the chance to seek the help they need.