Grants Pass Fire Rescue (GPFR) is dedicated to protecting the youngest members of our community by leading the Josephine County Child Car Safety Seat Coalition program. Navigating the complexities of child car seat installation and ensuring correct usage can be challenging for parents and caregivers. Statistics highlight this issue: in 2022, a concerning 71% of the 112 car seats checked by GPFR were found to be improperly used. Recognizing this critical need, the coalition’s mission is to offer free, accessible education on proper child restraint techniques and provide reduced-cost car seats to families who qualify. This vital community service is largely supported by an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) grant, which funds essential materials and educational resources for the Fire Station Car Seat Program.
Understanding the Fire Station Car Seat Program and its Importance
The fire station car seat program is staffed by a team of dedicated firefighters and community volunteers who have achieved the nationally recognized Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification. This rigorous certification process involves completing a comprehensive three-day training course and participating in annual continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and car seat technology. Through the ODOT grant, the program can effectively address the high rate of car seat misuse in Josephine County by providing expert guidance and resources directly within the community, leveraging the trusted environment of local fire stations.
Eligibility for Reduced-Cost Safety Seats Through the Fire Station Program
To help families afford safe car seats, the fire station car seat program offers reduced-cost options to eligible individuals. Families who are enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program are eligible to receive these reduced-cost seats. Convertible and combination car seats are available for $30 cash, while booster seats are offered at $10 cash. Further discounts may be available for some WIC participants. These reduced-cost car seat distribution events, specifically for OHP and WIC recipients, are held every other month at the Hillcrest Fire Station. It is important to note that car seats cannot be distributed outside of these scheduled events.
To qualify for a reduced-cost car seat through the fire station car seat program, the following requirements must be met:
- Applicants must be active members of OHP or WIC and must present their membership card(s) at the appointment.
- The attending caregiver must be the child’s parent or legal guardian. Both the caregiver and the child are required to be present at the appointment. Unfortunately, foster parents and grandparents are not currently eligible for this specific reduced-cost program.
- The caregiver must actively participate in the educational session to learn about correct car seat installation and usage.
- The program provides only one reduced-cost car seat per child per family.
- Participants must bring their current car seat and the vehicle they primarily use for transporting the child to the appointment.
- A genuine need for a new car seat must be demonstrated (e.g., expecting a newborn, child has outgrown their current seat, or the existing car seat is expired or unsafe).
- Applicants must be residents of Josephine County and provide proof of residency if requested.
Please be aware that the fire station car seat program is unable to accommodate emergency or unscheduled car seat distributions at this time. Community partners are asked to direct clients to the regularly scheduled distribution events.
Alt text: A certified Child Passenger Safety Technician at a fire station demonstrates proper car seat installation to a parent, emphasizing hands-on learning for correct child restraint.
Inspection and Distribution Events: Accessing the Fire Station Car Seat Program
In 2022, the fire station car seat program made a significant impact on child safety in Josephine County. GPFR technicians assisted with the proper installation of 112 car seats and distributed 28 reduced-cost seats to families in need. Distribution and car seat check-up events are held every other month at the Hillcrest Fire Station. Additionally, the coalition organizes various community car seat check events throughout the year at different locations. For detailed information regarding the next distribution or car seat check event, please call 541-450-6200. Keep in mind that distribution events operate strictly by appointment, and slots can fill up quickly due to high demand. Appointments are scheduled to ensure that each family receives dedicated time and personalized assistance from a certified technician. Participants should expect to spend at least 30 minutes working with a technician to thoroughly learn about safe child restraint practices and ensure their new seat is correctly installed.
Scheduling Car Seat Inspections and Installations at the Fire Station
To ensure availability of a certified technician, car seat inspections and installations at the fire station are available by appointment only. Walk-in appointments cannot be guaranteed as a CPST may not always be on duty. The fire station car seat program offers free car seat check appointments to everyone in the community, regardless of income or residency. This valuable service provides an opportunity to gain peace of mind, ensuring that your child’s car seat is installed and used correctly. To schedule a free appointment with a certified technician at one of our fire stations, please call 541-450-6200.
Contact Information and Community Involvement in the Car Seat Safety Initiative
For any questions or further information about the fire station car seat program, please contact the program coordinator, Travis Marsh, directly at 541-450-6200 or via email at [email protected].
The fire station car seat program also welcomes community involvement. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) in the community who are interested in volunteering with the coalition are encouraged to contact Travis Marsh at 541-450-6200. Volunteer CPSTs are a valuable asset and are welcome at all program events.
For additional resources and information on traffic and transportation safety, please visit the Oregon Impact website: http://www.oregonimpact.org/.
By utilizing the resources of the fire station car seat program, families in Josephine County can gain the knowledge and support needed to properly protect their children while traveling. Contact GPFR today to ensure your child’s car seat safety.
