Safety is always top of mind for Plum first responders, which is why they have organized an event to make sure families are taking proper care of their most precious cargo.
Plum EMS hosts its annual car seat safety check from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department, 415 Old Abers Creek Road.
This will be the third year for the free event. Registration is required. Plum EMS, police and other professionals volunteer their time to serve as many people as possible.
Last year, participants completed 26 safety checks. Inspections take about 30 minutes per seat.
“It is important for Plum EMS to host this event, as we are not only focused on responding to emergencies but helping prevent them, as well,” EMS director of operations Brian Maloney said. “Plum EMS’s logo is ‘In Partnership with the Community.’ This is who we are, and we are extremely proud of the programs and relationships we have developed with the Plum community.”
Maloney said some of the common mistakes technicians see include not properly securing the car seat, using both the seat belt and lower anchor straps to secure the seat, and using aftermarket products such as mirrors and toys to hang on the seat’s handle.
“It is unknown what will happen with these items in the event of a crash,” he said.
Car seats also have expirations and height and weight restrictions that should be adhered to, according to Maloney. Their use is anywhere from five to seven years from its manufacture date.
Road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States, according to statistics from Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing traffic injuries, falls, burns and more.
Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71%, the charity reports.
Plum safety check participants will have an opportunity to learn about other safety programs, CPR and first aid training, as well as go on fire station tours. A Pittsburgh Poison Center representative will be on hand to provide education and handouts.
The Sampson Family YMCA in Plum is expected to have someone available to educate families on aquatic safety, and children can explore police, fire and EMS vehicles on site.
Registration is available online at https://link.plumboro.com/carseat. Families that cannot make it to the event can schedule an appointment for a car seat safety check by calling 412-793-4801 or emailing operations@plumems.com.
Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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