Effective Jan. 1, 2012 the state of Illinois requires that all passengers, regardless of age or location in the vehicle, must be secured in a seat belt or an approved child restraint system. Parents need to be aware of key safety issues when choosing and installing child car seats.
Residents may register for Car Seat Safety Checks and Installation with the Wilmette Fire Department. Certified safety personnel can assist residents with the proper installation of car seats to ensure they are used safely.
Safety checks are by appointment only and subject to emergency calls.
The Village of Wilmette encourages residents to research safety information when choosing restraint systems for their children.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides recommendations on the appropriate types of seats for children from birth to 13 years old. They also encourage all owners to register their seats with the manufacturer in the event of possible recall notifications. An online list is available on their website for major brands.
Safekids.org is another excellent resource for information on car seat selection, installation, and general questions related to child safety seats.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Station 26 at 847-251-1101.