South Metro Fire Rescue - Car Seat Check/Inspection

Riding Safe in the Car

	South Metro Fire Rescue is pleased to offer courtesy inspections, to families that work and live in our fire district, of child safety seats and booster seats on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of each month. 2^nd Wednesday in Lone Tree (map) 4^th Wednesday in Parker (map) Please call 720.989.2271 for an appointment. Appointments take 30 minutes per car seat.
Remember that car restraints expire after 6 years unless otherwise stated. Do not buy a used child restraint unless it is from a trusted source that knows the restraint's history.
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. The seat needs to fit your child? If you have a thin tall child you are going to want a seat that has a higher height limit. Does it fit your car? "If you have three car seats to fit into the back seat, you may need to be looking for a thinner car seat. Will your child sit in the seat? With an older child do they think the seat is cool and did they get to help pick it out?
What is the law for kids in car seats? Colorado law regarding safety seats changed as of August 1, 2010. This flyer has the new law and what South Metro Fire Rescue recommends.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that child passengers are properly buckled up in the appropriate restraint on every trip.
When can my child get out of their booster? After their 8th birthday by law. South Metro Fire Rescue recommends 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.