Child Safety Seat Inspection Program

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 2 to 14, due in large part to lack of use or improper use of child seats and seat belts. Working with parents and our partners, our goal is to ensure every child is properly secured and safe every trip, every time. This includes babies in car seats, toddlers in booster seats, and older children in seatbelts.

Seat Technicians

The Town of Fuquay-Varina Fire Department's Child Safety Seat Program teaches parents and caregivers how to properly install child safety seats into their vehicles. Certified car seat technicians (Fire Department personnel) are available at all three fire stations to assist you with installing your new car seat, answering any questions you may have, and checking to see if your current car seat is properly sized for your child.

Safety Check

In addition, they will also check a constantly updated online database of car seat recalls ensuring that the seat you are using has no defects and meets all federal standards. Personnel is available every day of the week, unless they are away from the station on a call, from 8 am until 12 pm and then again from 2 pm until 8 pm. Also, the department typically schedules two checkpoint events each year usually in March and September.

Free Service

There is no charge for this service and no limit to the number of seats installed. Although this is a free service, running this program does have associated costs. We purchase child seats to have on hand so that unsafe seats never leave the station. We also must purchase supplies, tools, and equipment to use for the proper installation of the child safety seats. Our commitment is that every child leaves the station safer than they arrived. This program is completely funded through grants and donations.

Car Seat Installation

Many people assume that a car seat installation is a simple and straightforward thing to do. In reality, studies show that as many as 90% of car seats are either not properly matched to the child's size or are improperly installed. Don't take a chance with your child's safety - read your manual and when in doubt, call the fire department for help. That's what we are here for!

Please help us help you!  We ask the following from you:

• Please ensure that the child passenger safety seat is clean prior to arriving for an inspection.
• Please bring the child that will be riding in the seat when you come for an inspection
• Exception: Expecting parents wanting to get that special seat just right for the ride home from the hospital are encouraged to stop by. We only ask that you come back after your new arrival comes to ensure a proper fit.
• Plan on spending between 30 - 45 minutes for an inspection or installation. Our goal is to teach parents proper installation techniques so you can do it correctly every time.

To have your car seat inspected or to ask a question, please feel free to call or stop by any of our fire stations.