Fire Services
Safety Programs and Services
Free Child Restraint Inspections
Our Seated for Safety Program currently assists low-income families who reside within the City of Turlock with child car seat inspections for proper use, installation and replacement if necessary by a certified child passenger safety technician. These are available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information about the Seated for Safety program and how you can participate, please call (209) 668-5580. (Funding provided by the City of Turlock's CDBG Public Service Program).
Child Car Seats
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injuries to children. Improper use or not using a child restraint can cause death or serious injuries to a child who is involved in a vehicle crash. The law in California states that children must properly use a safety seat or booster until they are at least 6 years old or weigh 60 pounds. However it is recommended that a child use a booster until the seat belt fits properly which is usually when the child weighs 80 pounds and is 4’9”.
Child Passenger Safety Links
Child Seat Recalls
Child Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Are You Using It Right?
Important tips
Never secure a rear facing child in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag. Children twelve and under should not be seated in front of an air bag. The back seat is generally the safest place for a child of any age.
The child restraint must be installed securely. Put your body weight into the restraint while tightening the seat belt. The restraint should not move more than one inch forward or from side to side.
Most vehicles manufactured after 1996 provide seat belts that secure child restraints tightly. Older vehicles may require the use of a locking clip. Read the child restraint instructions as well as the vehicle instructions before beginning installation.
When a child restraint is involved in a crash it must be replaced.
Send in the registration card which is attached to the child restraint. In the event of a recall the manufacturer can notify you. If you have any problems with your restraint be sure to contact the manufacturer as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Auto Safety Hotline: 800-424-9393.
