Free child seat safety event in El Centro this Saturday

Multiple agencies in the Imperial County will be collaborating to provide a free child safety seat safety event to the community.

The Imperial County Public Health Department along with the California Highway Patrol, Burlington Coat Factory, and First 5 Imperial will provide child safety information to families in the valley during the event.

Technicians who are certified in child passenger safety will also offer car seat inspections and education. Officials added that if the car seat has expired, suffered damages, or is not the right size for the child, it will be destroyed and an appropriate seat will be provided and installed at no cost to parents and caregivers.

“Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts for children are often used incorrectly,” said Chris Herring, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency Manager, “and every 34 seconds in 2017, one child under age 13 was involved in a crash. No parents want to ever get it wrong when it comes to their children’s safety. That’s why we’re hosting this consumer education event on National Seat Check Saturday. Parents can come out and be certain that their children are secure in their car seats.”

For parents and caregivers who wish to participate, their child must be present and in a car seat the day of the event, according to the press release. Those interested in having their car seat checked by a certified technician at the event should call 442-265-1388 to schedule an appointment.

The event will begin at 7:00 to 10 a.m. at the Burlington Coat Factory’s parking lot located at 2900 Dogwood Road in El Centro.