Child Safety Seats – Installation Program

Programa de sillas de seguridad en el automóvil del Condado de Mendocino

Make an appointment

Mendocino County Public Health’s mission is to provide services to ensure that all Mendocino County residents are healthy and safe. We want all families in all our communities to travel safely. 

The CDC reports that child passenger death rates are highest in the most rural counties where children are more likely to be incorrectly restrained.

We can work together to reduce the number of injuries from motor vehicle crashes associated with children ages 0-12 years old. 

Parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference by ensuring that your children are properly secured on every trip. A correctly fitted seat is crucial. This online tool can help you find the right seat that fits your child and your vehicle.

Free Car Seat Safety Evaluation

Public Health is coordinating Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can help you connect with resources to learn to correctly install your car seat in your vehicle.

One-on-one appointments are available free of charge for residents of Mendocino County living with children ages 0 through 12. 

If you think you may qualify for limited income-based car seat distribution, contact us and we can confirm availability. Email: mcah@mendocinocounty.gov.

Make an Appointment - Locations and Schedules

Appointments are required. Please email or call to make an appointment at one of the inspection stations listed below.

Before the Car Seat Appointment

• Be prepared to spend 60 minutes during this one-on-one appointment.
• The CPS Technician will help you learn to properly install your car seat in your vehicle. 
• Bring the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual
• Bring a document showing a Mendocino County address: utility bill, phone bill or a photo ID. 
• Know your child's current weight and height.
• If possible, bring your child with you as well as another caregiver to help while you are learning.
• Before your appointment, try to install the car seat into your vehicle using the car and seat manuals

During the Car Seat Appointment

• A CPS Technician will: Fill out car seat check form to document the process. The form may be electronic or on paper. 
• Review car seat selection appropriate to the child's age, weight, and height.
• Check the child's current car seat for: Recalls, visible damage, and an expiration date.
• Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used.
• Guide your installation of the car seat, review different installations techniques. 
• Discuss the next steps for your child, such as when to move to the next type of car seat.
• Discuss state laws and the best practice recommendations for occupant safety. 
• Answer and questions you may have, so ask away!

If you have any questions about the program, your appointment, contact mcah@mendocinocounty.gov.

Links to Additional Information

• No Heat Stroke – heatstroke death and prevention information
• Kids and Cars – kids at risk in and around vehicles
• OTS – Who’s Got Car Seats? – list of Child Passenger Safety programs by county in CA
• Safe Kids - childhood injury prevention topic/information

Car Seat Coalition for Community Partners

Want to save lives? Become a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)! Your community-based organization can join The Mendocino County Child Passenger safety Coalition. We meet quarterly and will help you become a nationally certified child passenger safety technician site that is eligible to receive, fit and distribute car-seats in your community. Contact us for more information at mcah@mendocinocounty.gov.

For more information go to the Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program page.