Car seat safety is paramount for protecting children while traveling in vehicles, and it’s mandated by law in most states. Alarmingly, the Maryland Department of Transportation reports that a significant number of car seats are improperly installed, with one in two car seats installed incorrectly. This highlights the critical need for accessible resources to help parents and caregivers ensure their children’s car seats are correctly fitted and used.
Recognizing this vital need, the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service (MCFRS) offers a comprehensive infant and child car seat safety program to support residents. This program provides invaluable assistance to families in Montgomery County, Maryland, through both in-person and virtual car seat check appointments, ensuring peace of mind and optimal safety for young passengers.
Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service personnel assist a parent with infant car seat installation, highlighting the Montgomery County Car Seat Program.
In-Person Car Seat Safety Checks in Montgomery County
For hands-on guidance, Montgomery County residents can easily schedule an in-person car seat check appointment with certified Safety Technicians. These dedicated professionals provide personalized instruction on the correct installation and usage of your specific car seat. Each appointment is approximately 30 minutes long per car seat, allowing for focused, individual attention. In-person checks are available at various fire station locations across Montgomery County during the following times:
- Takoma Park Fire Station 2, 7201 Carroll Avenue: Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM; Third Saturday of each month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Germantown Fire Station 34, 20633 Boland Farm Road: Second and fourth Sundays of each month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; First Wednesday of each month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Aspen Hill Fire Station 25, 14401 Connecticut Avenue: Thursday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; First Saturday of each month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Rockville Fitzgerald Buick/GMC, 5501 Nicholson Lane: Third Thursday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. No appointment is needed at this location. Learn more about walk-in checks at Fitzgerald Buick/GMC.
Virtual Car Seat Assistance for Montgomery County Families
Understanding the need for flexible options, MCFRS also provides virtual car seat assistance via video appointment. This service allows residents to receive face-to-face education and guidance remotely on car seat usage, including limited installation assistance through video chat. Virtual appointments, typically lasting 30 minutes, can be conducted using various platforms such as Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom, offering convenience and accessibility.
To make the most of your virtual session, MCFRS recommends preparing the following:
- Have your car seat and vehicle manual readily available.
- Position your car seat near your vehicle, ready for installation or already installed.
- Prepare specific questions you have about car seat safety.
- Ensure your phone or device is fully charged.
- Have a doll or teddy bear on hand to practice proper harnessing techniques.
For specific inquiries about child passenger safety or to schedule an appointment by phone, please call 240.777.2223 or email [email protected]. Expect to leave a message, and a program representative will respond to your query.
Essential Car Seat Safety Fact Sheets
To further support car seat safety education, MCFRS provides readily accessible fact sheets:
- Selecting the Right Car Seat (PDF, 435 KB): Guidance on choosing the appropriate car seat for your child’s age and size.
- Installing Your Child’s Car Seat Tightly (PDF, 657 KB): Step-by-step instructions for secure car seat installation.
- Check Your Child’s Car Seat! (PDF, 407 KB): A checklist to ensure your car seat is consistently used and installed correctly.
The Montgomery County Car Seat Program is a valuable resource for families committed to child passenger safety. Take advantage of these free services to ensure your child is traveling as safely as possible.
