CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- Albemarle County Fire Rescue is hosting a free car seat safety event in the parking lot of Mission Barbecue on Ridge Street on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
ACFR firefighter Seth Grubb said people can drive up and have ACFR members check that their child car seats are properly installed. He said the safety check generally takes between 5-10 minutes.
This will be an opportunity for caregivers and parents to familiarize themselves with the installation process of a car seat and ensure that the seat itself is safe.
Grubb said parents frequently install the car seat too loosely, and leave the straps too loose. He said a child’s height and weight are key factors in determining what car seat suits a specific child. He also said parents shouldn’t be in a rush to turn their car seats around.
“We recommend that, for as long as possible, as late as up to two years old, keep them rear-facing,” Grubb said.
Grubb said ACFR firefighters are required to take a 48-hour class to get certified in child passenger safety, and to get re-certified every two years.
