Keep your family safe with free car seat checks

Keep your family safe with free car seat checks

The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department and Beaufort Memorial Hospital have teamed up together to make sure that every newborn rides home safely in a car seat. 

Did you know? Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants (aged <1 year) by 71%; and to toddlers (aged 1–4 years) by 54% in passenger vehicles. 70% of children are improperly restrained in car seats.

Starting on October 3rd, 2019 at 6:30 pm the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department will be going to Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) on the first Thursday of every month and teaming up with BMH hospital staff to install car seats. 

“We have at least two certified car seat technicians on every shift and we want to make sure that every child’s car seat is installed correctly because on average 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly or misused,” said Fire Chief Reece Bertholf. 

 

This program will coincide with BMH’s “Baby University”, expecting moms and dads can come and get a tour of the birthing suites and get their car seat installed.  “We are very excited about this partnership with BMH. 

It will be very convenient for expecting moms and dads during this exciting time.  We also have brand new car seats available for those who do not have one or cannot afford one” said Battalion Chief and car seat technician Peter Dontje. 

If you are not planning to attend Baby University, you can always get your car seat installed or checked at any City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department fire station.  We do have car seats available if needed.  You can call 843-525-7055 to set up an appointment.