If you’ve ever had to install a car seat, you know the range of emotions that comes with doing so. The happiness that you’ve got a precious gift to put in the seat, the frustration that you’ve not connected all of the straps, and hooks, and connectors, and then the self-doubt because even though it looks to be installed correctly, you second guess yourself.

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According to Christine Muss, Traffic Safety Coordinator for the Broome County Health Department, car crashes are the leading cause of death for infants to young teens, but correctly used and installed car seats can reduce the risk of death by an astounding 71 percent.

Most parents believe that they’ve installed their car seats correctly but might be surprised to learn that nearly 59 percent of parent installed car seats are not installed properly. You can take the second-guessing out of your car seat installation by having a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician go over your car seats to make sure they’re secure and safe. And don’t worry, if they’re not this expert will be happy to help turn that around.

The Broome County Health Department has teamed up with the Endicott Fire Department for a free car seat check event at the Fire Station which is located at 224 Madison Avenue in Endicott this Saturday, September 26 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The event on Saturday will include a free child safety seat check as well as educational materials for mom and dad. If you’d like to have your car seat inspected you will need to schedule an appointment and you can do that by calling Christine Muss at 607.778.2807 or by emailing her at Christine.Muss@BroomeCounty.US.

Once you’ve secured an appointment, you’ll need to bring your child safety seat(s), your child/children, your vehicle, and if you have it, your car seat and vehicle manuals. All those taking advantage of this child safety seat inspection will need to wear a face-covering and follow social distancing guidelines. Additionally, all families will be screened upon arrival.

If you’re unable to schedule an appointment for this Saturday but would like for someone to look at your car seat to make sure that it is properly installed, you can schedule an appointment with any of the Broome County Fitting Stations. You’ll find a list of fitting stations here.

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