Officials to perform car seat safety checks 

Whether it’s a young couple learning the ropes after their first child or parents who are veterans of the child rearing process, it never hurts to have an inspection of one’s child seat.

Local law enforcement members will be on hand to lend their expertise to visitors of Dowagiac’s Under the Harvest Moon Festival Saturday afternoon, during one of their Safety Day events, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Depot Drive and Park Place, behind city hall. The event is organized by members of the Dowagiac Police and Fire Departments, with activities centered around both children and adults alike, encouraging education about fire and vehicle safety.

Officers with the Dowagiac Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police will be providing free child seat inspections during the event. Parents are encouraged to bring their vehicle and restraints out to the lot that afternoon, where they will check to make sure that equipment is in working order.

“We will have an officer out there to explain what is wrong with the equipment and how to set it up,” said Dowagiac Deputy Chief Jarrid Bradford.

The Dowagiac department holds periodic car seat inspections throughout the year, Bradford said. These events allow parents to have their restraints checked in a more relaxed environment than a traffic stop or, even worse, in an accident.

“We want to make sure that young parents have access to someone who can show them how to sit up their car seats and make sure they’re secure,” Bradford said.

Even more experienced mothers and fathers could take advantage of these inspections, though.

“Technology changes over the years, and a seat that was once acceptable may no longer meet current safety standards,” the deputy chief said.

In addition, firefighters with the Dowagiac Fire Department will be at the lot Saturday, offering fire education resources such as their fire safety house and extinguisher training. Bradford said these activities will be especially useful for kids.

“Letting children see the firefighters and their equipment will help make them less afraid during an actual emergency,” he said.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the fire department, located at 302 Wolf Street.