Franklin, TN – A free car seat safety check will take place this Saturday, June 11 at Franklin Fire Station 1, 500 New Highway 96 West, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The event will be hosted by the Franklin Fire Department and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Safe Kids Cumberland Valley.

Please allow 30 minutes for your inspection and bring your child with you if at all possible.

Those who cannot make it to the event may schedule an appointment with one of the Franklin Fire Department’s 20 technicians by calling 615-791-3275 the morning you’d like to have your seat checked.

 Car Seats - Top 5 Things to Check according to Safe Kids Worldwide

An estimated 85 percent of all children placed in seats are not properly restrained.    

1. Right Seat. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. 
2. Right Place. Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.
3. Right Direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age two. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.
4. Inch Test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
5. Pinch Test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go.

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