Car seat checks ensure child safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall and Panama City Beach Fire Department hosted a child car seat check Sept. 21.

The event was held in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Child Passenger Safety Week, September 16 to 22.

The event provided Team Tyndall Airmen and families the opportunity to ensure the safety of their children while riding in motor vehicles.

"It is import to ensure your children's safety," said Mr. Joey Alexander, Panama City Beach firefighter and emergency medical technician. "One step is to make sure they are being properly secured in child safety seats, from infants to children approximately ten years old. We want parents to be proficient in installing their children's car seats and booster seats correctly."

During the event, members checked to see if the car seats were installed properly, if the children were fitted correctly, and if the car seats serial numbers were on the recall ordinance list.

"If the car seats were unfit or recalled, there were safe car seats available for parents to switch out," said Master Sgt. Scott Jessen, 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron distance learning NCO in charge. "Large support was provided by several base agencies, who contributed lighting, shade tents, drinks and water. We appreciate all the volunteers that helped with event. We couldn't have done it without them."

This is the third year Sergeant Jessen, and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Dawn Jessen, 325th Medical Group NCO in charge of education and training, have planned the event. This is the first time working with the Panama City Beach Fire Department.

"We love to extend help any chance we can get, especially when it comes to educating the public," said Mr. Alexander. "It was an honor to work with Tyndall and educate the parent populous there."

The PCBFD started the Emerald Coast Safe Kids Chapter, which helps educate people about child car seat safety, pool safety, and bicycle safety.

For more safety information visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS or like the Emerald Coast Safe Kids Chapter on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-Kids-Emerald-Coast/104603332922965.