Hazelwood Fire Department Helps Car Seat Technicians Stay Up-To-Date On Child Safety

The (HFD) hosted an update class for car seat technicians at recreation facility recently in an effort to keep area technicians current on their certification requirements.

Car seat technicians are required to attend several of these classes for continuing education in order to maintain certification.

“We usually have technicians representing a wide range of hospitals, non-profit organizations and companies with car seat programs who attend these update classes on a periodic basis," said HFD Battalion Chief Randy Getz, in a statement. "Technicians need these programs because they’re the ones who teach the installers."

Getz said it's important to have courses on the matter available because a lot of times car seat companies and automobile manufacturers don’t always coordinate their efforts to make installing a car seat a universal process.

“Many times, it’s up to us to figure out how to properly install car seats in different vehicles," he said. "There are all kinds of car seats in all sorts of cars; unfortunately, they don’t all fit so these types of problems are brought to the technicians’ attention, as well as explanations about any new technologies or attachment systems being used on car seats."

The HFD has had a car seat program for at least 10 years, and although it’s a free program offered to local residents, those wanting the knowledge are required make an appointment at (314) 731-3424. No walk-ins are accepted.

“It’s just too hard for our fire department to handle walk-ins while coordinating schedules and various other activities," Getz, said. "And, this doesn’t even include the emergency calls we respond to each day. By scheduling appointments, it works out a lot better for everyone.”

The Florissant Valley Fire District has a car seat technician for Hazelwood residents living in its coverage area. The has the same setup for Hazelwood residents living in its coverage area. The same requirements apply to both for making an appointment.

"We’re raising a whole new generation of safety conscious adults," Getz said. "Teaching kids about the importance of checking smoke detectors, not playing with matches and wearing bicycle helmets can help them think of safety first when they’re older.”

The HFD is affiliated with the St. Louis Area Safe Kids Coalition, which works with 55 different fire departments on child safety.