Published on September 04, 2024
Every day, millions of parents buckle their children into car seats without a second thought. But what if one small mistake could mean the difference between life and death? As Child Passenger Safety Week approaches, from September 15-21, the Maricopa Fire/Medical Department (MFMD) is issuing a wake-up call to all parents and caregivers: Properly securing your child in a car seat is important. To help ensure every child in our community is safely secured on the road, MFMD is hosting a free car seat inspection event on September 14th, from 8 am to 10 am. This event is your chance to have certified car seat technicians from both the MFMD and the Ak-Chin Indian Community thoroughly inspect your car seat setup, ensuring it meets all safety standards. With resources provided by the Arizona Department of Child Safety - Office of Prevention, this first-come, first-served event is an opportunity no parent should miss. Why Child Passenger Safety Matters Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children under 13 in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts dramatically reduces the risk of injury or fatality during a crash. "As first responders, we see firsthand the difference that the proper use of a seat belt or car seat can make to save lives and reduce injuries," said Maricopa Fire/Medical Department Fire Chief Brad Pitassi. "Our goal with this event is to provide parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to keep their children safe on the road." Three Tips for Properly Buckling a Child While attending the event is a great way to ensure your child’s car seat is correctly installed, there are also steps you can take on your own to improve safety: 1.Read the Car Seat & Vehicle Manuals: Every car seat comes with a manual that provides important information on proper installation and use. Take the time to read through it, paying close attention to weight and height limits, and installation instructions. In addition, check your car’s manual for the locations of any anchors or tethers that can help you safely install the car seat. 2.Check for Tightness: Once the car seat is installed, give it a firm shake at the base. A properly installed car seat should not move more than an inch side to side or front to back. 3.Ensure the Harness is Snug: When securing your child in the car seat, make sure the harness is snug enough that you cannot pinch any excess webbing between your fingers. The chest clip should be at armpit level to keep the harness straps properly positioned on your child's shoulders. You can also check your car seat for recalls here:https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls We hope to see you on the 14th!