Child Passenger Safety

Did you know that the #1 killer of children between ages 3-14 in the United States is car crashes?

Installing a car seat is not a simple task, and the process can be anything but straightforward. How a car seat is installed in one vehicle may be different in another vehicle. Additionally, the type of seat appropriate for a child will change several times as the child grows and develops. All of these factors complicate the installation process. But, don't worry! We are here to help!

The Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department is proud to be a permanent checking station for child passenger safety seats. This service is available to Carrboro and the surrounding community as well. We strongly encourage everyone to have their child safety seat(s) inspected for safety and the correct installation.

Permanent Checking Station Hours of Operation
Location	Day of Week	Hours of Operation
Fire Station 1 301 W. Main St.	Saturday	09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Fire Station 2 1411 Homestead Rd.	Saturday	01:30 PM - 03:30 PM

If there is an urgent situation and/or you are unable to attend the permanent checking station we will do our best to accommodate the installation at a date and time that is convenient for you. If this is the case fill out the form below to request an appointment.

Child Passenger Safety Inspection/Installation Appointment Request Form

Why is it important to have your car seat inspected?

According to AAA and the National Safety Council “Anywhere from 52% to 84% of child restraints show some sort of misuse. The percentage varies by study. For instance, a 2016 Oregon Health and Science University Hospital study showed 4 out of 5 (80%) car seats are installed incorrectly but car seat misuse was even higher among new parents, at 93%.”

A correct installation is of paramount importance because if a seat is not correctly installed, and the child is not correctly strapped into the seat, it will fail to provide the level of safety and protection it was designed to afford in the event of a wreck.

What can you expect when during your Child Passenger Safety inspection?

The first and most important goal of the program is to have every child who arrives at our station leave safer than when he or she came.

Components of the Inspection:

Ensure the child has an appropriate seat for their age, weight, size, and the vehicle they will be riding in
Educate the parents, guardians, and anyone who will be transporting the child regarding the best practices to follow when installing the seat in their car
Demonstrate the proper way to secure a child in the seat
Check for any manufacturer recalls, safety, or defect issues
Ensure compatibility between the car seat and the vehicle
Provide additional information on other agency's child safety programs

FAQs

Does your department check and install car seats for children?

Yes! Due to COVID-19 are currently inspecting and installing car seats for children on an appointment basis. Fill out the Child Passenger Safety Inspection Request form to schedule an appointment, or visit our Child Car Seat Installation page for more information.

How do I order a reflective address sign?

Reflective address signs are very important for emergency services. If we can't find you, we can't help you. Locating addresses can be especially tricky at night. Order a reflective address sign today. Signs are only $15 or $20 if mounted to a metal post. Use this form to order your reflective address sign. The signs are made at the fire-rescue department and you will be contacted once it is ready for pick-up.

Address_Sign_Mailbox

Does your department check and install smoke alarms and/or carbon monoxide detectors?

As a part of our Community Risk Reduction program the Fire-Rescue Department installs smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for residents of Carrboro and the South Orange Fire District. Smoke alarms provide early notifications increasing the likelihood that you and your family will be able to escape if there is a fire in your home. Submit this form to schedule installation or inspection of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.

How can I apply for a fire prevention permit?

The Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department issues construction and operational permits in accordance with applicable state laws and the currently adopted edition of the North Carolina Fire Code. For more information regarding permits, reference Section 105 of the North Carolina Fire Code and in Chapter 12, Article II, Section 12-10 of the Town Code. You can apply for a fire prevention permit by submitting this form.

Reminder: Any plans for review (electrical, remodeling, fire alarm, sprinkler system) should be submitted to Town of Carrboro Planning, Zoning, and Inspections through PIPER prior to contacting the Fire-Rescue Department.

How to I schedule a fire prevention education event or fire station tour? Birthday Party? Other events?

Public Education Event

We provide public education events, including fire prevention presentations. Use this form to request a public education event for your group or organization.

Station Tours

We regularly give station tours and safety talks to all types of groups, both formal and informal. Some of the groups we have had come through in the past include school classes, girl scouts, boy scouts, church groups, day care groups, after school programs, summer camp groups, home school students, and many individuals. Use this form to request a fire station tour.

Birthday and Block Parties

If you are planning a community block party or birthday party our department will stop by during the event with a fire truck for all to see up close - both adults and children. We can show and explain the use and importance of the many pieces of equipment, display our gear, discuss fire safety topics, and distribute fire safety information. Use this form to request the department come out to your birthday or block party.

Other Events

View our Community Services page to see what other services are offered by the fire-rescue department. Forms are available to request all of the services offered by the department.

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