MCFRS Technician Assisting with Infant Car Seat Installation
Proper car seat usage is crucial for child passenger safety, and it’s legally mandated in many states. Alarmingly, the Maryland Department of Transportation reports that nearly half of all car seats are improperly installed. To address this critical issue, the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service (MCFRS) offers a valuable Montgomery County Car Seat Program to assist families in correctly installing and utilizing car seats. This program provides Montgomery County residents with the opportunity to schedule both in-person and virtual car seat safety checks, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to their children’s safety on the road.
In-Person Car Seat Safety Checks
For hands-on assistance, residents can easily schedule an appointment for an in-person car seat check. During these appointments, trained Safety Technicians will guide attendees through the proper techniques for car seat installation and usage specific to their car seat and vehicle. Each appointment is designed to be comprehensive yet efficient, typically lasting around 30 minutes per car seat. Currently, in-person Montgomery County Car Seat Program appointments are available at the following locations and times:
- Takoma Park Fire Station 2: 7201 Carroll Avenue. Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and the third Saturday of each month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Germantown Fire Station 34: 20633 Boland Farm Road. Second and fourth Sundays of the month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the first Wednesday of the month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Aspen Hill Fire Station 25: 14401 Connecticut Avenue. Thursday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the first Saturday of the month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Rockville Fitzgerald Buick/GMC: 5501 Nicholson Lane. Third Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. No appointment is necessary for this location. Learn more here.
Virtual Car Seat Assistance Appointments
Recognizing the need for flexible options, the Montgomery County Car Seat Program also provides virtual car seat assistance. Residents can schedule a video appointment to receive remote, face-to-face guidance on car seat use and limited installation help via video chat. These virtual sessions, also approximately 30 minutes in length, can be conducted using various platforms such as Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom, offering convenience and accessibility. To make the most of a virtual Montgomery County Car Seat Program appointment, MCFRS recommends preparing the following:
- Keep your car seat and vehicle owner’s manuals readily available.
- Ensure your car seat is ready for installation or, if already installed, be near your vehicle during the appointment.
- Prepare specific questions you may have about your car seat or installation.
- Ensure your phone or device is fully charged for the video call.
- Have a doll or teddy bear available to practice proper harnessing techniques under the technician’s guidance.
For specific inquiries regarding child passenger safety or to schedule a phone appointment with the Montgomery County Car Seat Program, please call 240.777.2223 or email [email protected]. If calling, be prepared to leave a message, and program personnel will respond to your query.
Essential Car Seat Safety Fact Sheets
To further support parents and caregivers, the Montgomery County Car Seat Program provides access to helpful fact sheets covering key aspects of car seat safety:
- Selecting the Right Car Seat (PDF, 435 KB) – Guidance on choosing the appropriate car seat for your child’s age and size.
- Installing Your Child’s Car Seat Tightly (PDF, 657 KB) – Step-by-step instructions for secure car seat installation.
- Check Your Child’s Car Seat! (PDF, 407 KB) – A checklist to ensure your car seat is correctly installed and used every time.
The Montgomery County Car Seat Program is a vital resource for families in Montgomery County, offering expert advice and practical assistance to ensure children are traveling as safely as possible. Take advantage of this free community service to gain confidence in your car seat installation and usage, contributing to the well-being of your precious passengers.
