Keep Kids Safe
Keeping kids safe is a priority for Klingberg Family Centers’ Safe Home staff. To keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date, Klingberg employees frequently participate in training from community experts.
Last month Sergeant Tom Field of the South Windsor Police Department visited Klingberg’s main campus and conducted child car seat checks from his specially equipped trailer.
Safe Home staff with Sgt. Field
Tom shared facts that children up to 100 lbs and 4’9”and under must ride in a car seat at all times. Because each car seat may have different features, it is important to read the instructions, even if the use of the seat appears obvious. Car seats should not be handed down, as newer seats have updated mechanical features and older, used seats may even have been recalled. Klingberg child care workers were surprised to learn that four out of five child seats are used incorrectly.
Tom emphasized the proper use of seatbelts by the driver and each passenger are important for kid safety, too.
“In the event of an accident, un-belted adults thrown inside a car are often the source of severe injury to a small child,” he said. “If you are the driver and an adult passenger won’t wear a belt, don’t take the risk of having an unsafe rider in your car. Refuse to drive them.”
All car seats used by Klingberg clients were inspected and recommendations for keeping children from un-belting them during travel were made.
Mobile car seat inspection unit
“This equipment, used properly,” he said, gesturing to padded seat, “can save a life.”
For further information, Please call:
South Windsor Police
Community Outreach Coordinator
Sgt. Tom Field
(860) 648-6224
Or visit www.saferidenews.com and www.ctsafekids.org
