Broken Arrow first responders install car seats for community

(BROKEN ARROW, Okla.) Police and firefighters in Broken Arrow took time out of their day to install car seats for community members Thursday. The event is put on multiple times a month in various locations in partnership with Safe Kids Tulsa Area. According to their website, Safe Kids Tulsa Area is led by The Children's Hospital at St. Francis. Based on the needs of the community, the coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries. The organization and local hospitals offer a free monthly two hour car seat workshop for expectant parents and caregivers. A certified child passenger safety technician conducts the workshop. Topics include physical characteristics of infants and children, an overview of crash dynamics, various car seat types, correct usage, demonstrations of proper installation and common misuse. If you are in need of a car seat, are the primary caregiver of the child and are on government assistance (WIC, Food Stamps, SoonerCare), you may attend this workshop to receive a new car seat for $10. Proof of government assistance and $10 (cash only) must be provided at the time of the workshop. The car seat may then be picked up at a free car seat checkup event. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Click here to sign up: https://www.saintfrancis.com/event/car-seat-workshop Next Check Up Events - Safe Kids Tulsa Area: Tulsa Fire Department Station 22 7303 E 15th St (15th St between Sheridan & Memorial) Thursday, January 17, 2019 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Jenks Fire Department Station 2 1115 W. 121st St. Saturday, January 19, 2019 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Inspection Stations: Health Zone 5353 E. 68th St., Tulsa, OK 74136 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM To 3:00 PM Appointment Required: Yes Contact Safe Kids 918-494-7233 St. John Medical Center 1923 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK 74104 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM To 3:00 PM Appointment Required: Yes Contact Safe Kids 918-494-7233 The Oklahoma State Department of Health recommends that parents and caregivers ensure their child’s restraint system meets the following criteria to be in compliance with child passenger safety laws: Children under age 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat. Rear-facing is the safest way for small children to travel, and they should remain rear-facing until they reach 2 years of age or until they exceed the height or weight limit of the car seat. Riding rear-facing with legs bent or against the back of the seat is a safe and comfortable position for children. This position best protects their head, neck and spinal cord in the event of a crash. All children under age 4 must be properly secured in a car seat with an internal harness. A 5-point harness is the safest restraint system and should be used as long as possible (until the child exceeds the harness’ weight limit). Children under age 8 must ride in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat unless they are taller than 4’9”. Children taller than 4’9” or over age 7 should always be restrained in a seat belt. Riding in the back seat of the vehicle is the safest way for children to travel.