Jackson Firefighters Launch Car Seat Inspection Program

A Jackson Fire Department Firefighter inspects a car seat during the July event.  City of Jackson photo.

(October 3, 2022 9:40 AM) Jackson area families wanting to make sure their children travel safely can take advantage of a new program from the Jackson Fire Department. Firefighters have launched the Car Seat Inspection Program, which will have crews checking car seats once a month for the rest of 2022.

The inspections are free and no prior sign up is needed. Jackson families are welcome to visit the Central Fire Station, 518 N. Jackson St., for the checks during the following days and times:

• Friday, Oct. 14,1-3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1-3 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m.

Firefighters request parents or guardians bring their children and car seats to the inspection. Crews will look to make sure the car seat is in proper working order, fastened to the vehicle correctly, and is a safe fit for the child. A limited number of car seat replacements are available for free if firefighters find a seat is unsafe.

JFD is launching this program after the successful completion of car seat inspection training and a special event this summer that saw dozens of local families come to the fire station for inspections. This effort from Jackson firefighters is currently the only certified Car Seat Inspection Program in Jackson County and the first time JFD has offered a program like this.

Firefighter Matt Jabkiewicz says crews plan to continue the once-a-month inspections in 2023 with a permanent program. “A lot of parents may be surprised to learn that their child’s car seat is not installed properly or could be dangerous in a crash,” Jabkiewicz said. “This is a simple thing we can do to make sure children are safe as they can be while on the road.”

The Jackson Fire Department Central Fire Station is located at 518 N. Jackson St. Contact the fire department with questions about this program by calling 517-788-4150.