FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Car Seat Checks Available Through Skagit County EMS

Skagit County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is now offering FREE car seat checks by appointment! This no-cost service is an exciting offering for local caregivers, parents, and grandparents who routinely transport young children.

This one-on-one educational opportunity typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on the car seat and vehicle. The certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician will not only install the car seat—they are trained to teach you how to correctly install a car seat as well! The technician will take all the time you need until you feel comfortable that your car seat is used and installed correctly.

The best way to keep a child safe in the car is to use the right car seat in the right way. Nearly 60 percent of car seats are not installed correctly. Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.

According to Washington State’s Child Restraint Law:

Children up to age 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.
Children ages 2-4 years must ride in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward facing).
Children 4 and older must ride in a car seat or booster seat until they are 4’9″ tall.
Children over height 4’9” must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt (typically starting at 8-12 years old).
Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical to do so.

Please be sure to bring the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual with you to your appointment. If possible, bring your child with you, as well as another caregiver to help while you are learning. If the child cannot attend the appointment, be sure to know their current height and weight to assist in the installation process.

Depending on your CPS technician's schedule and the number of car seats being installed, the technician may be able to perform the check at your local fire department. Otherwise, checks will be conducted at EMS, located at 2911 East College Way in Mount Vernon, Washington.

For information about this service and to schedule your appointment, visit the Car Seat Check website at www.skagitcounty.net/carseat.

To access additional car seat resources, visit SafeKids.org.

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