Texas County families can check their children’s car seats during a safety event Sept. 21 at Licking.
It runs from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Historical Licking Mill, 103 Old Mill St. near the downtown business district. (For more information, contact the Texas County Health Department at 417-967-4131).
The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety, Cape Girardeau Safe Communities and other local partners, such as the Texas County Health Department, will host events throughout southeast and south-central Missouri the week of September 15. This free event is part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 15-21.
Parents and caregivers with small children can ensure their car seats are installed correctly by visiting an inspection station. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will: Provide education, perform car seat inspections, review expiration dates, discuss car seat installation, usage and car seat recalls. Checks take an average of 30 minutes to complete.
Quick tips for families
Wear your seat belt: Be sure everyone else in the car buckles up, too. When adults wear seat belts, kids use car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Set a good example and buckle up every ride, every time.
Place kids under 13 in a back seat: It’s the safest place for them to ride.
Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute: A car can heat up 19 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Make sure your child is riding safely. Visit a car seat check event to see if you are using your car seat correctly. Common errors include a loose harness, not using the seat belt or latch system to properly secure a car seat, failing to correctly use the tether and being unaware of the risks of using a second-hand car seat or booster. A certified child passenger safety technician can help you protect your child at the event.