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Child Passenger Safety Program
Road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States. To make matters worse, more than half of car seats are not used or installed correctly.
You can keep your child safe while traveling by having the right car seat installed in the right way. Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71%. Arvada Fire is here to help ensure your family is safe on the road, too! Read on to learn more about our Child Passenger Safety Program and Car Seat Recyling Program.
Child Passenger Safety Program
Not sure if your car seat fits your child correctly? Or are you unsure if you have installed the car seat perfectly? We're here to help!
Every single Arvada Fires station has a Child Passenger Safety Technician available 24/7. Technicians provide instruction and education on the proper use and installation of car seats.
No appointments are needed and drop-ins are encouraged between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at any station or Headquarters. Crews may be unavailable when conducting their duties, like responding to calls. To call ahead about station availability, please call 303-424-3012.
Car Seat Recycling Program
A storage pod is available at Arvada Fire Headquarters for the collection of old Car Seats as part of the Colorado State Patrol Recycle program. This recycling program is available to the public. By participating, you can help us keep old, damaged or expired car seats off the road.
Headquarters is located at 7903 Allison Way and the storage pod is located in the far northwest corner of the parking lot. Car seats can be placed on the ground in front of the pod.
As noted on the signage located on the pod, individuals need to check in with Headquarters to recycle their car seat. This is not a drop-and-drive location; please visit during office hours to recycle the seat.
The recycling pod is overseen by CSP and the seats are taken to a local recycler who recycles all parts of the seat. This process helps avoid the reuse of old, outdated seats and keeps them out of the trash and second-hand stores.
Child Passenger Safety Tips
- Buying the right car seat. Your baby needs to ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible until 2 or more years. When your child has outgrown that seat, you are ready for a forward-facing car seat.
- Installing your car seat. You'll need to decide on using either the seat belt or lower anchors to secure your car seat. Both are safe but don't use them both at the same time. Once your child is forward-facing, it is important to use the tether with the seat belt or lower anchors.
- Getting the right fit. A properly-fitted harness gives the best possible protection for your child.
- When to change your car seat. Look on the car seat label to make sure your child is still within the weight, height, and age limits for that seat.
Other Resources
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Keeping Child Passengers Safe
- Safe Kids Worldwide - Car Seat Safety Tips
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Car Seats and Booster Seats
- Digital Car Seat Check Form