Every parent prioritizes their child’s safety, especially when traveling by car. However, correctly installing a car seat can be more challenging than many realize. In Josephine County, the Grants Pass Fire Rescue (GPFR) is taking proactive steps to address this issue through the Fire Department Car Seat Program. Alarmingly, a study conducted by GPFR in 2022 revealed a 71% misuse rate among the 112 car seats they inspected. This highlights a critical need for education and assistance, which is precisely what the Josephine County Child Car Safety Seat Coalition, led by GPFR, aims to provide.
This vital program offers free guidance on the proper use of child restraints and provides reduced-cost car seats to families who qualify. Funding for this initiative is largely provided by an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) grant, enabling the coalition to offer essential materials and education to the community.
What is the Fire Department Car Seat Program?
The fire department car seat program is a community-focused initiative designed to improve child passenger safety. Recognizing the complexities of car seat installation and the high rate of misuse, the program offers a multi-faceted approach to support families. The core mission is to ensure every child in Josephine County is traveling safely restrained in a properly installed car seat. By providing education and resources, the program directly addresses the challenges parents face in navigating the often-confusing world of car seat safety.
Meet the Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs)
At the heart of the fire department car seat program are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). These dedicated individuals, comprised of firefighters and community volunteers, undergo rigorous training to become experts in car seat safety. Becoming a CPST requires completing a comprehensive three-day certification course and maintaining up-to-date knowledge through annual continuing education. Their expertise is crucial in providing accurate, hands-on assistance to parents and caregivers, ensuring they understand how to correctly install and use their child’s car seat.
Reduced-Cost Car Seats: Making Safety Accessible
A key component of the fire department car seat program is the provision of reduced-cost car seats for eligible families. Understanding that financial constraints can sometimes be a barrier to accessing safe car seats, the program offers substantial discounts to families enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or working with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Convertible and combination car seats are available for just $30 cash, while booster seats are offered at an even more accessible price of $10 cash. For some WIC participants, further discounts may be available, making child passenger safety more attainable for families in need. It is important to note that seat distributions are held bi-monthly at the Hillcrest Fire Station and are not available outside of these scheduled events.
Eligibility Requirements for Reduced-Cost Seats
To qualify for a reduced-cost car seat through the fire department car seat program, certain criteria must be met:
- Program Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in OHP or WIC and must present their member card(s) at their appointment.
- Caregiver Status: The caregiver must be the child’s parent or legal guardian, and both the caregiver and child must be present at the appointment. Please note that foster parents and grandparents are not currently eligible for this specific program.
- Active Participation: Caregivers are required to actively participate in learning the correct way to use the car seat during the appointment.
- One Seat Per Child: The program provides one reduced-cost seat per child per family.
- Current Seat and Vehicle: Participants must bring their child’s current car seat (if applicable) and their primary vehicle to the appointment to ensure proper installation guidance.
- Demonstrated Need: There must be a genuine need for a new car seat, such as a newborn arriving, a child outgrowing their current seat, or an existing seat being expired or unsafe.
- Josephine County Residency: Applicants must be residents of Josephine County and provide proof of residency if requested.
It is crucial to remember that emergency or unscheduled seat distributions are not possible at this time. The program encourages community partners to direct clients to the regularly scheduled distribution events.
Inspection and Distribution Event Details
In 2022 alone, the fire department car seat program facilitated the installation of 112 car seats and distributed 28 reduced-cost seats, demonstrating the program’s significant impact on the community. Distribution and check-up events take place every other month at the Hillcrest Fire Station. Additionally, the coalition organizes various community seat check events throughout the year to broaden access to their services.
For detailed information on upcoming distribution or seat check events, please call 541-450-6200. Keep in mind that distribution events operate by appointment only, and slots can fill up quickly. Appointments are scheduled to ensure each participant receives dedicated time and attention from a CPST. Expect to spend approximately 30 minutes with a technician to learn the essential aspects of safe child restraint practices.
Schedule Your Free Car Seat Inspection
Beyond distribution events, the fire department car seat program offers a valuable service to all residents: free car seat inspections. Car seat installations and inspections are available by appointment only. A certified technician may not always be on duty, so walk-ins cannot be guaranteed assistance.
Whether you have questions about your current car seat installation or simply want to have it checked by an expert, you are encouraged to schedule a free seat check appointment with a CPST. This service provides peace of mind, ensuring you are providing the safest possible environment for your child while traveling. To schedule your appointment at one of the fire stations, please call 541-450-6200.
Contact and Get Involved
For further information about the fire department car seat program, please contact the program coordinator, Travis Marsh, at 541-450-6200 or via email at [email protected].
Community members who are already certified CPSTs and wish to contribute to the coalition are warmly invited to contact Travis Marsh at the same number. Volunteer CPSTs are a valuable asset to the program and are welcome at all events.
To explore additional resources related to traffic and transportation safety, please visit the Oregon Impact website: http://www.oregonimpact.org/.
By participating in the fire department car seat program, you are taking a crucial step in safeguarding your child and contributing to a safer community for all families in Josephine County.
