The Licking County Health Department is highlighting community support for its Child Safety Seat Program after a donation from Newark Moose Lodge #499.
The program provides car seats to low‑income families and offers free inspections by certified child passenger safety technicians. Families can schedule appointments at the health department by calling 740‑349‑6535.
“Thanks to community partners like you, we can continue providing this important resource to families throughout our community,” the department said in its announcement.
The program emphasizes that proper installation and use of child safety seats can save lives, and technicians ensure each seat is secured correctly before families leave.
“Your support helps us promote child passenger safety and ensure more children can ride safely,” the announcement added.
The health department noted that referrals often come through the WIC program and other agencies, with seats provided through the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program and donations from local organizations.
“If you are interested in supporting our Car Seat Program, we’d love to hear from you,” the department said. “Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about donation opportunities.”
The program also stresses that the correct car seat or booster seat is essential: using age‑ and size‑appropriate restraints can be a lifesaver.
Families who already own a car seat can schedule free inspections to confirm proper installation. Certified technicians are available by appointment to check and adjust seats as needed.
Car seat data shows that proper use significantly reduces the risk of injury in crashes, underscoring the importance of programs like LCHD’s. The Child Safety Seat Program combines community donations, state support, and hands‑on training to ensure more children in Licking County travel safely.
Ohio law requires children under 4 years old or weighing less than 40 pounds to ride in a child safety seat according to manufacturer instructions, while those ages 4 to 8 who weigh at least 40 pounds and are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must use a booster seat or other approved safety restraint. Children ages 8 to 15 are required to wear seat belts in all seating positions. Safety experts recommend that children who outgrow a rear‑facing seat remain in a forward‑facing seat with a harness until reaching the seat’s maximum height or weight limit, and then transition to a booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly. For optimal protection, children younger than 13 should ride in the rear seat, secured with a lap and shoulder belt.
