The Clayton Fire Department is helping parents and caregivers protect their most precious cargo with free one-on-one Child Safety Seat Checks. This growing service makes sure car seats are installed correctly, meet safety guidelines, and have not been recalled or damaged.
It’s available by appointment at Clayton Fire Station One, located at 325 West Horne Street. During each visit, trained staff members walk parents and caregivers through a full safety inspection, offering personalized guidance based on the child’s size, age, and car seat type. Each visit lasts only a few minutes, but the knowledge shared can make a lasting difference.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. In crashes, child safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. These statistics show just how important it is for parents and caregivers to receive accurate information and hands-on help.
“The goal is not just to install the seat for you. We want to teach you how to do it yourself, so you feel confident every time you buckle up your child,” said Captain Bryan Belvin, the department’s Community Risk Reduction Specialist.
Belvin recently completed a 40-hour training course alongside nine other Clayton firefighters, bringing the number of certified child passenger safety technicians in the department to 10. He explained that the certification covers much more than simply buckling in a seat.
“You learn about the different types of car seats, the proper angles for installation, seatbelt locking systems, anchor points, and when to keep a child rear-facing,” said Belvin. “It is much more detailed than people expect, but that is what makes it so important.”
During the course, firefighters learned how to identify common mistakes, such as incorrect recline angles, loose belts, or misplaced harnesses. They also practiced checking seats for expiration dates, unsafe attachments, and manufacturing recalls. Belvin shared that parents and caregivers often leave their appointments surprised by how much they did not know.
“It is not about pointing out what is wrong. It is about giving people the tools and confidence to keep their children safe every day,” Belvin said. “Once they see how it works, it clicks. And that moment makes the training worth it.”
The department also provides handouts in both English and Spanish for families to take home, covering key safety tips and reminders.
Child Safety Seat Checks are one way the Clayton Fire Department is deepening its connection to the community and educating families on everyday risks. Belvin said the team is already planning to expand the program by training more staff, especially at Clayton Fire Station Two, located at 800 NC Highway 42 East.
“We want to make sure every firefighter is certified, so no matter which station a parent or caregiver goes to, someone will be ready to help,” said Belvin. “It is a team effort, and we want every child in Clayton to be as safe as possible.”
To schedule a Child Safety Seat Check, visit www.townofclaytonnc.org/992/Child-Seat-Safety-Checks.