Keeping children safe on the road starts with proper car seat use.
Car seats and booster seats are designed to protect children in the event of a crash, but they must be installed and adjusted correctly to be effective. Even small mistakes can reduce how well a car seat protects a child.
The Statesville Fire Department is committed to helping families travel safely by offering free car seat safety checks conducted by trained staff.
Why Car Seat Safety Matters
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of injury for children. Properly installed and correctly used car seats significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death. Because car seats vary by age, weight, height, and vehicle type, it’s common for parents and caregivers to have questions - and that’s where we can help.
A car seat check provides peace of mind by ensuring your child’s seat is:
The Statesville Fire Department offers free car seat checks for the community.
During your appointment, trained staff will:
These tools provide helpful information on how to choose and use a car seat. Learn how to fit and test a child’s harness, and test whether the car seat is installed tightly enough in the car.
*Most car seat manufacturing companies offer installation tutorials and live virtual assistance specific to your car seat make and model by telephone, live chat, and virtual appointments.
| Safe Kids North Carolina | Ultimate Car Seat Guide | Learn basic tips to keep your child safe at every age and every stage. |
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | The Right Seat | Easy-to-use tool that helps you find the right seat for your child. |
| National Child Passenger Safety Board | Car Seat Basics Course | FREE introductory online course for new parents and caregivers. |
Statesville Fire Department (SFD) offers free car seat checks and installation assistance with a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) by appointment only.
Please call (704) 765-5599 for assistance or to schedule a car seat safety check, please complete the form below. A member of the Statesville Fire Department will contact you to confirm availability and schedule a date and time for your appointment.
The National Safety Council offers free virtual car seat checks and car seat education/assistance with nationally certified CPSTs. Learn more here.
Additional nationally certified CPSTs may be available in your area. Simply fill in the online form and search by location, language or special needs training. Learn more here.
ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT
What to Bring to your Appointment (Having these items allows our team to confirm the seat is the correct fit and properly adjusted for your child.)
To ensure the most accurate and helpful check, please bring:
Additional Tips and Resources
Always REGISTER your car seat with the manufacturer.
Congratulations - you chose the right car seat and installed in correctly. Now it's time to register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive recalls and safety notices so your child can remain safe. Also, you can sign up with NHTSA to receive email alerts about your car seat and booster seat recalls.
Review North Carolina’s Child Passenger Safety Law and requirements.
Did you know that the North Carolina Child Passenger Safety Law requires children less than age 16 to be properly restrained in an age, weight, and height appropriate restraint. Passengers age 16 and older are covered by the North Carolina Seat Belt Law.
Interested in becoming a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician?
Have you heard about events where folks get one-on-one personalized instruction on how to properly use their child’s car seat? Join the team of over 40,000 nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) and be that community advocate or resource in your community!
