Last week, the Greer Fire Department took a proactive step to ensure the safety of our little passengers by conducting a car seat refresher. The department, known for its commitment to community well-being, renewed several certifications for firefighters skilled in car seat inspections.
The refresher covered a range of scenarios, including forward-facing with latch systems and forward-facing with seatbelts. In the past, many firefighters had acquired certifications for latch systems, ensuring they stay current with evolving safety standards.
To put their knowledge into practice, the department organized a car seat checkpoint, offering a recertification process for firefighters. This involved a thorough test, ensuring each firefighter knows how to properly install car seats. The importance of proper installation cannot be overstated, given that only one in five car seats are correctly installed, according to statistics.
"Motor vehicle collisions are the number one killer of children aged zero to twelve months," emphasized a firefighter involved in the initiative. "We want families to understand the importance. If you have your child buckled up properly, you're decreasing their chances of injury and death by 70%."
The training covered various types of car seats, ensuring every technician understands the nuances of installation for rear-facing, forward-facing, and other types of car seats. The goal is to equip firefighters with the skills to educate parents and caregivers, ultimately reducing the risk of injury in the unfortunate event of a collision.
Residents can take advantage of the Greer Fire Department's commitment to child safety by scheduling car seat checks. These checks are offered on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Parents and caregivers can call Julie at 864-848-2166 to schedule an appointment, ensuring their precious cargo is secured properly.