Johnson County has partnered with the Be SMART program to educate and promote secure gun storage. This partnership aims to educate about the importance of securing firearms and preventing unintentional shootings.

Beginning today, June 17, community members can pick up free gun locks at the Treasurer's Office, currently located in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, 855 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, and at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, 511 S. Capitol Street, Iowa City. No age limit or proof of residency is required, and there is a limit of three locks per visit.

The Be SMART program was launched in 2015 to promote responsible gun ownership to reduce child gun deaths. The program helps adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries.

The program encourages parents and adults to:

• Secure all guns in their home and vehicles
• Model responsible behavior around guns
• Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes
• Recognize the role of guns in suicide
• Tell your peers to be SMART

For more information about the Be SMART program partnership with Johnson County, visit www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/gun-safety.