East Lake Fire Rescue Provides In person AND Virtual Car Seat Checks

Interested in getting your car seat checked by a Child Passenger Safety Technician? 

Individual car seat checks are conducted free of charge for those who reside in the East Lake Fire Rescue district.  These checks are completed by appointment only.  To schedule an appointment with our Fire and Life Safety Educator, Mrs. Hernandez email chernandez@elfr.org or call 727-784-8668 ex. 204.

If you reside outside of the East Lake Fire district and would like to find a car seat technitian near you,  visit :hopkinsallchildrens.org/carseats   or call 892-KIDS

Need a car seat? visit: hopkinsallchildrens.org/carseats

Whether you have Zoom or facebook messenger video, Claudia will work with you to ensure you install your child’s car seat correctly virtually! To schedule a virtual car seat check appointment, email chernandez@elfr.org

Car Seat Checkup 

Here is a parents child seat checkup checklist provided to you by Safe kids

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 VIPs, just ask them. We know all VIPs ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.

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 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.

Please read the vehicle and car seat instruction manuals to help you with this checklist. If you are having even the slightest trouble, questions or concerns, don’t worry about a thing. Certified child passenger safety technicians are waiting to help or even double check your work.