Car Seat Safety Inspection
There is a shocking statistic floating around the internet that about 75% (thanks for the correction Sally) of car seats are installed improperly! I don’t know if this statistic is accurate, but it was enough to get me thinking. There are different car seat safety laws for each state and a whole host of car seats on the market. I can’t tell you what car seat to buy – that’s your decision, but I can tell you that there are car seat inspection stations throughout the country. If you think your car seat might be installed improperly (or if you’re like me and just want to be 100% sure it’s in right), there are a few things you can do.
You can call your local fire department or police station to ask if they know where the nearest car seat inspection station is, you can look on your community’s website to see if it’s listed there, or you can access the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration’s car seat inspection location website.
Local town websites are on this blog entry:
Here.
Also, as an update to an earlier & similar entry (Here), the CT car seat law is now 8 years old & 80 pounds. It used to be 6 years and 60 pounds. New York is still 6 & 60, but CT is now stricter.
Car Seats
If you have a child under 60lbs or under 6yrs or both, it will behoove you to read the information on the following websites:
CT Department of Transportation – Child Safety Seats — This website spells out the laws regarding child safety seats. It also has a list of other resources with information about child safety seats.
National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration — This site will enable you to locate a car seat inspection station near you. It’s a free service and will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your child’s car seat is installed properly.
CT Safe Kids — This site has general information about keeping your children safe (bicycle, car, skateboard, rollerblade, etc).
Department of Children and Families
DCF has put out a new website just for parents, grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers. It’s called CT Parenting.
Internet Safety
Here are a few links that address internet safety for families, children, and teens:
Google’s “Tips for Online Safety”
Google’s “Family Safety Guide”
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – Internet Safety
NetSmartz Kids – teaches children what to watch out for in a fun and interactive way
Don’t Believe the Type – Cyber Tip Line
U.S. Department of Justice’s Project “Safe Childhood” web site
Ad Council (the people who make the public service announcements on TV, in newspapers, magazines, and on the radio)
Wired Safety – Information for Parents about Internet and cell phone safety
Federal Bureau of Investigation – A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety
Consumer Product Safety Commission
If you’re concerned about recalls or product safety, this is the place to begin your research:
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Town Websites
Here is a list of a few town websites:
Danbury
Bethel
Redding
Ridgefield
Easton
Brookfield
New Fairfield
New Milford
Wilton
Monroe
Recalls
We’re all worried about the various items that are being recalled (especially children’s toys & bottles). This is the official government website that lists ALL government recalls and a few voluntary recalls.
Recalls.Gov
Government Informational Website
USA.Gov
This website is a directory of all government websites. If it’s a government agency and it has a website, it will be listed here.
Department of Social Services
Department of Social Services
If you are looking for help with WIC, public assistance, Husky, or food stamps, this is the place to start. They have centers where people can help you fill out the paperwork necessary to apply for their services.
