LAKEPORT – Kids’ Plate of California and the First 5 Lake Commission have joined forces to insure the continuation of the Children’s Safety Car Seat Program.

Kid’s Plate staff has announced that it is allocating 55 car seats to Lake County and First 5 Lake is committed to matching that number. Thus 110 children’s car seats will be available to low- or moderate-income families until the inventory runs out.

First 5 Lake through its partner, AmeriCorps, has established a safety car seat inspection station network throughout Lake County. Each station has trained, experienced Child Passenger Safety Technicians.

Families can bring their auto, car seat and child to an inspection station to receive instructions on how to properly fit a child’s safety seat in the car and their child in the seat.

While this may sound easy to do, in fact most seats are installed incorrectly, thus increasing the chance of injury to the child in case of an accident.

Incorrect installations occur because of the multiple types of car seats and models of cars on the market. “A one size fits all” approach simply does not work.

There is no fee for the inspection and instruction. A new car seat will be provided, if required, with the understanding that the supply is limited.

Inspection stations can be found at Middletown Fire Station on Highway 175, 987-3089, Extension 1; Lake County Fire Protection District's Clearlake Fire Station on Olympic Drive, 994-2170; California Highway Patrol, Kelseyville, 279-0103; and Northshore Fire Protection District's Upper Lake Fire Station on Main Street, 275-2446.

Kids’ Plate of California was established by the California legislature in 1992. It receives its funds from the sale of Kids’ Plates motor vehicle license plates. The funds collected through the Department of Motor Vehicles are in turn made available to local communities to help prevent childhood injuries, and child abuse while at the same time supporting child care licensing.

More than 600 grants have been awarded to local communities to date. Every automobile owner can support this program by purchasing a Kids’ Plate. For more information please visit the Kids’ Plate Web site at www.kidsplates.org.

First 5 Lake is dedicated to Early Healthy Childhood Development. Established in 2001, First 5 Lake funds a series of programs that offer services to improve child development, strengthen families and provide better health care. More information on First 5 programs can be found at www.first5lake.org.

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