Rochester Fire Dept. offers free child car seat installations

Studies show parents install child car seats incorrectly the majority of the time. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Fire Department announced recently they are offering free car seat installations by appointment. The initiative was first organized by Fire Fighter Kaitlin Taatjes.

Child car seats are extremely effective at reducing the risk of injury or death to a child, but only if they are installed properly. In fact, a properly installed car seat, according to experts, is 71 percent effective at reducing injury and death.

Alarmingly, 59-96 percent of parents get it wrong, depending on the study quoted and the approximate age of the child. It's imperative that the installation is done properly in order to keep children as safe as possible.

According to a flyer posted to Facebook, the Rochester Fire Department has trained car seat specialists willing to assist with installing a car seat, at no charge to the family.

Parents are encouraged to contact the Fire Department at (603) 335-7545 and make an appointment.