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Community Corner

Area Firefighters, Paramedics and AAA Unite at Safety Day

Trained professionals did safety checks and demonstrated the proper way to install car seats at the third annual Bill Gray Volvo Safety Day and Picnic.

 dubbed it Safety Day and Picnic, and though there were hot dogs, free beverages, games and prizes, the most important issue of the day was the proper installation of car seats.  

The third annual Safety Day ran from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on a sweltering Saturday afternoon in and around the dealership.

Tim Frazier, a , said 90 to 95 percent of all car seats he inspects are .  

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“Nine out of 10 car seats I see are not up to safety standards," he said. "Sometimes the seat belt is misused, the child is facing the wrong direction, or the child has outgrown the car seat.”

Frazier demonstrated the correct installation of a car seat and went over a checklist that covered key information at Bill Gray Volvo.

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Frazier was aided by fellow firefighters Mike McLaughlin and Dave Caputo, who proudly displayed a department firetruck. They were joined by paramedics, Tyler Myers and Dan Gulasy, who opened their ambulance for curious kids.

Terri Rae Anthony, a representative from AAA, also accompanied the firefighters and paramedics to Safety Day.

All car seats have to pass Frazier's thorough inspection as he ticks off items from his checklist.

“We look at a lot of factors," he said. "Is the car seat too old? Some people get hand-me-down car seats that don’t work well with newer cars. Has the car seat passed inspection? Is the harness in correctly? Is it anchored properly? Is the belt positioned right? And is it facing the right direction?

The latest information out of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that , and that all kids under the age of 13 should sit in the backseat,” he continued.

“There have been recalls on a few car seats. We make sure you have the best model for your car.”

Frazier imparted important legal information as well.

“Every child under eight years old should be in a car seat. If your child is over eight years old but is small for his size, you may want to continue to make him/her ride in a car seat.”

Anthony reminded residents, “You have to get the car seat that fits your child, your car and your budget.”

Darlene Gray, wife of Bill Gray Volvo owner and operator Bill Gray, said, “This is our third annual Safety Day & Picnic and we think it’s really important to get the message out there. We open Safety Day up to all makes and models of cars.

“Volvo is known for its safety," she said. "We pride ourselves on that commitment and we love having the kids here looking at the fire trucks. It’s a wonderful day.”

If you want to have the Peters Township Fire Department inspect the installation of your car seat, you can get it done at the station as well.

Schedule a free appointment at 724-941-4176 or online at www.​petersfiredepartment.​org.

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