City of Valdosta, GA

03/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/13/2024 11:45

VFD to Host Free Car Seat Safety Check Event

The Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) is pleased to announce its upcoming Car Seat Safety Check event. This event aims to ensure the safety of children in vehicles by verifying the proper installation and usage of car seats.

According to national statistics, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent. Despite this, many car seats are not installed properly, putting children at risk daily. VFD is committed to changing this by offering the community free car seat safety checks.

During the event, certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from the VFD, the Valdosta Police Department, SGMC Health Department of Trauma, and Safe Kids of Lowndes County will be available to inspect car seats, ensuring they are properly installed and compliant with the latest safety standards. Technicians will also check the expiration date of car seats to guarantee they are still effective in protecting children.

In addition to the car seat safety checks, the event will feature representatives from the Georgia Department of Health and Lowndes/Valdosta Family Connection. These organizations will provide other vital safety information for kids.

Fire and Life Safety Educator Sherina Ferrell emphasized the importance of car seat safety, stating, "The safety of our children is paramount, especially when traveling in vehicles. We encourage all parents and caregivers to take advantage of this free opportunity to have their car seats inspected by our trained technicians."

The Car Seat Safety Check will be held at 3101 Barack Obama Blvd on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. To schedule an appointment, please contact Sherina Ferrell at [email protected].

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event. For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact Fire Chief Brian Boutwell at [email protected].

-end-