MONTAGUE – In need of a car seat? Look no further than the Montague Public Safety Complex.
Turners Falls Fire Department and Montague Police Department were awarded Child Passenger Safety grants to purchase car seats for distribution to local families in need.
The departments are two of more than 234 car seat inspection sites in the state, with a certified technicians available to ensure children’s seats are installed correctly. The department was awarded $3,500, and it purchased 38 car seats, available to Montague residents.
This is the first year the fire department received the grant, while the police department has received it in the past.
“This grant helps us better serve families who find it difficult to afford car and booster seats to protect their children,” said Fire Chief John Zellmann. “We can also assist parents and caregivers with the proper installation of their child’s seats.”
Between the two departments, there are a total of 70 car seats for various ages from pre-mature newborns to 8-year-old children.
This year, Deputy Fire Chief Leon Ambo and firefighter Luke Harnett joined Montague Police Officer Dan Miner as certified technicians.
Harnett said as certified technicians they can check if a car seat is safe.
“We can also see if the seat doesn’t meet requirements, or if the seat was recalled, and send people home with a new one installed.” Harnett said. “We have car seats that are three-in-ones that can go from infant to toddler to eight years old.”
State law requires all children riding in passenger motor vehicles be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions until they are 8 years old or more than 57 inches tall.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants and Research — Highway Safety Division awarded grants totaling more than $190,000 to 58 local police and fire departments, nonprofit agencies and hospitals, according to a press release from the Fire Department.
Properly installed car and booster seats have been proven to reduce the risk of death and injury to children involved in crashes, yet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that nearly 60 percent of all seats are installed incorrectly.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for inspection to ensure your seat is properly installed in your vehicle, or for installation of a new seat, visit Turners Falls Fire Department on Facebook or call 413-863-9023.