Child Safety Seat Installation

An Educational Program

Car accidents are the number one killer of children age 3-14 in the United States. Child safety seats, when properly installed, save lives. A study released by the National Safe Kids Campaign, however, reports that at least 85 percent of the 17,500 seats inspected were installed incorrectly. The most common misuses were the safety belt not holding the seat tightly and harness straps not being used properly. Another report suggested that parents who did not use a seat belt were more likely to have an improperly restrained child. Setting an example for your children is of great importance.

The Monarch Fire Protection District is offering our residents a child safety seat installation educational experience. This will be by appointment only. Due to the nature of our profession, all appointments are subject to change.

Please call (314) 514-0900 to schedule your seat inspection today!

FAQ

What happens if I show up at a fire station unannounced, without an appointment?
There will not be a certified car seat technician available.  The firefighters on duty will refer you to the car seat check scheduler (314) 514-0900.

How long does an appointment last?
An appointment will last approximately 20-30 minutes. You will be instructed on the function of your seat, proper fit and installation for your vehicle, and how to secure your child in the seat accurately.

What should I bring to an appointment?
1. The child (unless you are pregnant or cannot travel safely with the child.)
2. The car seat's owner's manual.
3. Your vehicle's owner's manual.
Please ensure you have prepared the seat for the installation, which means removing the seat from the box and plastic wrapping, etc.

Why are installations by appointment only?
In order to be sure a technician is on-duty and that they have the time to teach you to install the seat, an appointment is necessary. For this reason, most all agencies who offer this service are by appointment only.

Why should I learn how to install our car seat from a trained technician?
Each vehicle, seat belt and car seat presents a unique and sometimes challenging situation. Having your seat(s) checked by a trained technician will lower the chance of your children being unnecessarily injured in a crash.

What is the law regarding child restraints in Missouri?
Children 0-7 years old must be restrained in a car seat. All other passengers must be restrained by a seat belt.  However, the law does not protect your child.  Seat belts are designed to fit adults. Children should be retrained in some type of seat, whether it is a 5-point harness or a belt positioning booster, until they fit the seat belt like an adult.  The recommended guideline is 4'9" tall and 80-100 pounds.

When can my child sit in the front seat?
When properly restrained, children are safest in the backseat of a vehicle. The center, rear position is the safest since there is more vehicle surrounding the child on every side.  Children are particularly vulnerable to the explosive impact of the bag.  Please keep your children in the backseat until they are at least 13 years old.

What should I do if my child won't stay in her/his car seat or seat belt?
Children do not know what is best for them, make it clear they will not be allowed to travel anywhere until they are properly restrained and must remain so for the entire time traveling.  Pull to the side of the road and stop if they unlatch themselves.  Set a good example by always buckling up the moment you get in the car.

Where can I get more information until my scheduled appointment?
Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov or Safe Kids USA at http://www.usa.safekids.org/ for more help.

 

Car seat installation and safety training

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