In the wake of Hurricane Florence, Insurance Commissioner and Safe Kids NC Chairman Mike Causey is partnering with several agencies to host a statewide initiative to help parents and children in communities affected by flooding.
Throughout the month of October, Safe Kids coalitions across the state will be hosting Child Passenger Safety Seat Tack Back events to assist in replacing car seats that were damaged by flooding during Hurricane Florence.
“A lot of parents, grandparents, and caregivers might not realize that flooding can have a tremendous negative impact on the functionality of your child’s safety seat,” said Commissioner Causey. “It’s our responsibility to make sure that every ride is a safe ride for children.”
Parents are asked to bring their flooded child safety seat to one of the various events listed below and Safe Kids NC will replace their seat free of charge.
- Oct. 6 - Campbell University, 143 Main Street, Buies Creek, N.C., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Oct. 9 - 1702 Live Oak St., Suite 100, Beaufort, N.C., 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Oct. 11 - Holly Square Shopping Center, 1664 South Main St., Laurinburg N.C., 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Oct. 16 – NHCFR Station 13, 5311 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne, N.C., 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Oct. 18 - Biggs Park Mall, 2800 N. Elm St., Lumberton, N.C., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Oct. 18 - Greene’s Pond Lot, 1358 W. Broad Street, Elizabethtown, N.C., 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Oct. 23 – Spring Lake Fire Department, 300 Ruth St., Spring Lake, N.C., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Child passenger safety technicians from across the state will be on hand to explain the functions of the new child safety seat and ensure the correct installation.
To be eligible, parents or caregivers will need to bring a valid NC ID, their child, and either their damaged car seat or proof of hurricane damage.
According to Safe Kids USA, motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of U.S. children 12 years old and younger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly three out of every four child safety seats are used incorrectly.
Safe Kids North Carolina is dedicated to preventing childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in North Carolina. For more information, contact Safe Kids NC Director Shannon Bullock at 919-647-0081 or shannon.bullock@ncdoi.gov.