Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling is paramount, and proper car seat usage is a critical part of that. For families in San Diego, accessing the right car seat and education can be a challenge, especially with financial constraints. Fortunately, the Free Car Seat Program San Diego, also known as the Keep ‘Em Safe (KES) program, offers vital resources to address this need.
Discover the Keep ‘Em Safe Car Seat Program
The Pacific Safety Center (PSC) is proud to administer the Keep ‘Em Safe (KES) program, a long-standing initiative dedicated to enhancing child passenger safety. Thanks to continued KES grant funding, PSC is set to distribute over 900 free child car seats to eligible low-to-median income families and refugee families in San Diego County between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. This program underscores a commitment to protecting the youngest members of our community.
Beyond providing car seats, the Keep ‘Em Safe program is deeply committed to education. PSC offers ongoing hybrid child passenger safety education classes designed to empower parents and caregivers. The program also aims to host at least 60 check-up and distribution events throughout the year. These comprehensive sessions equip attendees with essential skills, including how to perform safety assessments, correctly install child passenger safety seats, and ensure children are transported safely in vehicles, aligning with best practices and legal requirements like SB 255 (Kaitlyn’s Law).
The program specifically targets low-income households, recognizing that financial barriers can sometimes hinder access to necessary safety equipment. By providing free car seats and crucial education, the Keep ‘Em Safe program directly addresses this disparity, ensuring more children in San Diego are properly secured while traveling. PSC is dedicated to serving the diverse San Diego County community, offering bilingual support and culturally sensitive education to effectively reach underserved populations through partnerships with local agencies and organizations.
A History of Safety and Support
The Pacific Safety Center’s dedication to community safety is clearly demonstrated through its long-term partnership with the Keep ‘Em Safe program and support from the California Office of Traffic Safety. For over a decade, the KES program has made a significant impact:
- Over 18,000 no-cost child passenger restraints and booster seats distributed and installed.
- More than 1200 child passenger safety education classes conducted.
- Over 18,500 parents and guardians educated on child passenger safety and SB 255.
This extensive history illustrates the program’s profound and lasting positive influence on child passenger safety in San Diego. The program has also expanded its reach over the years, now including services for Native American and military families, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to serving various community segments.
Register for Your Free Car Seat Today
If you meet the low-income eligibility criteria and are a parent or caregiver in need of a car seat in San Diego, the Keep ‘Em Safe program is here to help. Registering is simple and accessible.
To Register:
- Text “CAR SEAT” to (619) 455-8194
- Register Online: Register Now
Please prepare the following documents for registration:
- Photo Identification for parents/legal guardians (e.g., Driver’s License, DMV ID, passport).
- Proof of low or median-income status (e.g., pay stubs, EBT card, WIC folder).
- Proof of relationship for each child needing a car seat (e.g., birth certificate, tax form).
After submitting your application, a team member will contact you within 48 business hours to guide you through the next steps. For any questions, please call the CPS Hotline at (619) 455-8194. Don’t delay in ensuring your child’s safety – take advantage of the Free Car Seat Program San Diego today.
