NORWAY — The staff at the Family Birthplace is urging parents, caregivers and grandparents to make sure their child safety seats are properly installed from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug, 10, at the Oxford Hills High School front parking lot adjacent to the bus circle. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to provide free hands-on seat inspections.

“It’s the responsibility of every single parent, caregiver or anyone who transports children in their vehicle to make sure their passengers are safely restrained — every trip, every time,” said Carol Welsh RN, perinatal outreach coordinator for Stephens Memorial Hospitals Family Birthplace. “When it comes to the safety of a child there is no room for mistakes.”

Welsh stated, “Car seats, when installed correctly and used, are extremely effective in saving children’s lives. Proper use of a car seat reduces the risk of death by as much as 71 percent for infants. However, car seats are complicated to install and use and there are many models to choose from. Even the most conscientious of parents may make mistakes. It has been found that nine out of 10 car seats are not installed or used correctly, and that only 5 percent of children who should use a booster seat actually do.”

SMH is not only an inspection site but also is one of several distribution sites for car seats in the state of Maine. As a distribution site SMH is authorized to provide car seats and boosters to families at no cost if they meet the State financial requirements. Documentation required in order to qualify for a free seat:

A current WIC folder with voucher in the name of the parent or child;

A MaineCare verification letter or current paycheck for all working members of the family, and

A Maine photo ID.

If you are requesting a free seat please be sure to bring this documentation with you. To participate in the free car seat inspection, parents, caregivers and grandparents should stop by this event at Oxford Hills High School. It is preferred that you to have the child with you and is required if you are requesting a distribution seat. Child care will be available as needed.

For more information, visit www.wmhcc.org or www.facebook.com/StephensMemorialME.