Is Your Child's Car Seat Installed Correctly?

Buckling up correctly for every ride is the single most important thing a family can do to stay safe in the car. Finding the best method for every family member can be confusing if you don't have the right information. The Dix Hills Fire Department is pleased to offer car seat inspections and help, even if you’re having the slightest trouble, questions, or concerns. Call us for a complete inspection and instructions on how to properly install a car seat. Our staff has received specialized training and certification in child safety seat inspection and installation, and offers these valuable safety tips:

 
• Right Seat: This is an easy one. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it's appropriate for your child's age, weight and height. Like milk, your car seat has an expiration date. Just double check the label on your car seat to make sure it is still safe.

• Right Place: Kids are VIP’s, just ask them. We know all VIP’s ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are 13 years old.

• Right Direction: You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.

• Inch Test: Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.

• Pinch Test: Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check the car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child's shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you're good to go.

• Read: Please read the vehicle and car seat instruction manuals to help you with this checklist.

Car seat inspections are performed by appointment only, as follows:

Mondays through Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dix Hills FD Headquarters (next to the Northern State Pkwy.)
115 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills

To schedule an appointment call the DHFD at 631-499-8836 extension 101, and ask for Glenn or George.

For more information about the Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department, and how it can protect your family, visit our website at www.DixHillsFD.org