Child Passenger Safety Program

Grants Pass Fire Rescue (GPFR) is the lead agency in administering the Josephine County Child Car Safety Seat Coalition program. Correct child restraint use can be daunting due to the many variations between vehicles and car seats.  Of the 251 car seats that we assisted with in 2019, the misuse rate was found to be 71%. The mission of the coalition is to provide access to free education on correct child restraint use and provide reduced-cost car seats to families in need. This program is largely made possible through an ODOT grant that funds the majority of the materials and education.

A number of firefighters and community volunteers are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST). Obtaining this certification requires a three-day class and is maintained with annual continuing education.

Qualifying for Reduced Cost Safety Seats

Individuals on OHP or families working with WIC qualify for reduced-cost seats. The coalition provides convertible and combination seats for $30 and booster seats for $10. Additional discounts are available for some individuals working with WIC. OHP/WIC distributions are held every other month at the Hillcrest Fire Station depending on the current Covid-19 restrictions. We are unable to distribute seats outside of the scheduled distribution events.

Requirements for receiving a reduced-cost seat are:

• Must be on WIC or OHP and must bring member card(s) to the appointment.
• The caregiver must be the parent or legal guardian of the child and both the caregiver and child must be present. Foster parents and grandparents are not eligible for this program.
• Caregiver must participate in learning correct seat use.
• Only one seat per child per family.
• Must bring a current seat and primary vehicle.
• There must be a true need for a new seat (newborn, outgrew old seat, old seat expired/unsafe).
  

We are unable to do emergency or unscheduled seat distributions at this time.  We ask that our community partners attempt to refer clients to our regularly scheduled distribution events.

Inspection & Distribution Events

In 2019, GPFR assisted with the installation of 251 seats and distributed 47 reduced-cost seats. Distribution and checkup events occur every other month at the Hillcrest Station. In addition, the coalition hosts multiple community seat check events throughout the year. Call 541-450-6200 for information on the next distribution or seat check event. Keep in mind that distribution events are on a first-come, first-served basis and they may reach capacity quickly. Appointments are scheduled for these events to ensure that we can help all that have signed up. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes working with a technician to learn safe child restraint use.

Scheduling Inspections and Installations

We encourage the public to call for an appointment as a certified technician is not always on duty and we may not be able to assist walk in's.

Anyone is eligible to make an appointment for a free seat check appointment with a CPST. Take advantage of this service to be 100% sure that you are using your seat correctly. Call 541-450-6200 to schedule an appointment with a certified technician at one of our fire stations.

Information

For information regarding the car seat program contact the program coordinator Travis Marsh at 541-450-6200 or send him an email.

Anyone in the community who is a CPST and would like to become involved with the coalition please contact Travis Marsh at 541-450-6200. Certified community volunteer CPSTs are welcome at all of our events.

To learn more about traffic and transportation safety, visit the Oregon Impact website.