Fire & Rescue - Safety Tips - Child Car Seat

If used incorrectly, even the "safest" seat may not protect your child in a crash, so take a minute to check.

Is the harness snug? Does it stay on you child's shoulders?

The shoulder straps of the car seat go into the lowest slots for infants riding backward, and the highest slots for children facing forward. Place the retainer clip at armpit level to keep harness straps on the shoulders.

Is the auto seat belt in the right place and pulled tight?

The auto seat belt must go in the correct path to hold the seat in place. Check your car's manual to see if you need to use a locking clip or some other additional piece of equipment to keep the child safety seat secure. A convertible seat faces backward for an infant and forward for a toddler, and has a different belt for each direction.

Have you tried the car seat in your vehicle?

Not all seats fit all vehicles. When the seat is installed, be sure it does not move from side to side or toward the front of the car.

Is your child too tall for a convertible seat and at least 40 pounds in weight?

A booster sear helps protect your child until he or she is big enough to use a seat belt alone. Use a booster seat with no shield with lap and shoulder belts. Use a booster with a shield if your car has only lap belts.

Has your car seat been recalled?

Call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393 for a list of recalled seats. Be sure to make any repairs necessary to your car seat.

Car Seat Inspections

The Plain Township Fire Department offers car seat inspections. The fire dept has four certified car seat inspectors available. Please call (330) 492-4089, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm to schedule a time for your inspection.

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Fire Department Administration
1742 Schneider St NE
Canton, Ohio 44721

Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Non-Emergency & Business:
(330) 492-4089

Emergency:
(911) or (330) 492-2411

EMS Billing Questions:
[email protected]

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