South Metro Fire Rescue - Car Seat Check/Inspection

Riding Safe in the Car

	South Metro Fire Rescue is pleased to offer courtesy inspections of child safety seats and booster seats on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of each month. 2^nd Wednesday in Lone Tree 4^th Wednesday in Parker Please call 720.989.2271 for an appointment. Appointments take 30 minutes per car seat.
Please note: Colorado law regarding safety seats is changing as of August 1, 2010. This flyer and the information below reflect the new law.
What is the best car seat to purchase? The best car seat to purchase is one that fits your car and your child the best. For example, if you have three car seats to fit into the back seat, you may need to be looking for a thinner car seat.
What is the law for kids in car seats? It’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure that child passengers are properly buckled up in the appropriate restraint on every trip.
Colorado State Law: Children must be 1 year old AND 20 pounds before they can be turned to move forward facing. We recommend all children be placed rear facing until they are 30-35 pounds (depending on the maximum rear facing weight limit of your child's seat).
Colorado State Law: Children 1-8 years old must ride in a safety seat. This can be a five-point restraint or a booster seat, but it must be a five-point harness until they are at least 40 points. We recommend that a child stays in the five-point harness until they reach the upper weight limit of the seat.
Colorado State Law: Children between 8 and 16 years old must be properly restrained with the motor vehicle's safety belt. We recommend that proper seat belt fit is achieved when the child meets the 5-Step Test developed by Safety Belt Safe U.S.A. (www.carseat.org) and click on 5-Step Test.
Where can I check to see if my safety seat has been recalled? Use this link to NHTSA.gov.
IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS please contact us for a safety seat appointment. One of our technicians will gladly check your car, your safety seat and how your child fits the seat. Call 720.989.2271.
Car Seats and Crashes If your car seat has been involved in a major or moderate crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you replace the child's car seat. If your car was involved in a minor crash (little exterior or interior damage), the car seat does not need to be replaced unless ALL of the following criteria are met: The vehicle was able to be driven away; The vehicle door nearest the car seat was undamaged; There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants; The airbags did not deploy; There is no visible damage to the car seat.