C.A.R.E.S
Child Automotive Restraint Education and Safety
Welcome to Tracy Fire CARES
Could yours be one of them?
Free Car Seat Inspections
For an Appointment Call (209) 831-4000 x1703
Tracy Fire's certified Technicians will inspect your child's Car Seat and help ensure your children are buckled in safely. We will do it for free, by appointment. It's a service called Tracy Fire CARES
We want to make sure that your children are safe, because we care.
Even the best informed parents make mistakes with car seats. Children are in the wrong seats for their size, they are in recalled or damaged seats, the seats are not properly secured to the vehicle, or even worse, they are not restrained at all.
Saftey Tips
As of January 2002 the law has changed to 6 years or 60 pounds. So look for the Car Seats with the higher weight limits.
For babies under one year old and less than 20 lbs., be sure they ride in rear-facing restraints in the back seat. Center position is best.
If less than one year old and more than 20 lbs., be sure they ride in a seat approved for heavier babies and continue to ride rear facing until they are 1 year old.
For children more than 40 lbs., be sure they ride in booster seats until they are big enough to "fit" in an adult belt (approx. 60-80 lbs. And 4'9" tall).
Old/used car seats should not be used unless you are certain they have never been in a crash and the seat is not over 6 years old. Make sure you have the car seat checked for recalls.
More Tips
Never place a Car Seat in front of a passenger air bag.
Always lock the carry handle on an Infant Carrier in the down position while it's in the vehicle.
Always read both the vehicle owner's manual and the instructions that came with the car seat.
Kids of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the back seat.
If the Car Seat has ever been in a vehicle collision, it needs to be replaced. Notify your insurance company.
Always buckle up, and make sure you passengers do too!
The best Car Seat is the one that fits the child, the vehicle, and is used correctly every time.
| Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back! | |||
| Infants | Toddler | Young Children | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Birth to 1 year up to 20-22 lbs. | Over 1 year and over 20 lbs. less than 40 lbs. | Over 40 lbs. up to 80 lbs. |
| Type of Seat | Infant only or rear-facing convertible | Convertible/Forward-facing | Belt positioning booster seat |
| Seat Position | Rear-facing only | Forward-facing unless seat has higher rear facing weight limits. | Forward-facing |
| Always Make Sure | Children to one year and at least 20 lbs. in rear-facing seats. The carry handle should be in the down position. Harness straps at or below shoulder level. |
Harness straps should be at or above shoulders. Most seats require top slot for forward-facing. Check your directions. |
Belt positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt. Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest and shoulder to avoid abdominal injuries. |
| Warning | All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat. | All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat. | All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat. |
