Key West The Newspaper

Monroe County, FL – Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition is working hard to make child safety education and supplies available to all Keys parents, and to ensure that Keys children are all riding in appropriate car seats when passengers in a vehicle. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend the Child Safety Event on Saturday, November 19, 2016, 9 am – 1 pm, at the Gato Building parking lot (1100 Simonton St, Key West).

Certified car seat technicians will be available to check installation on car seats already installed, as well as provide new car seats for Monroe County children who need one. Each new car seat fitting takes approximately 30 minutes and assistance is available on a first come, first served basis. Parents need to bring their children or know their exact current height, weight and age. In order to continue this program, a donation of $25 is requested for every new seat provided.

Certified bicycle helmet fitters will be available to measure children for new helmets as needed. These helmets are provided free of charge to any child age 1-16 but the child must be present to receive one.

Resources for various child-related safety concerns will be provided to all families attending the event.

Parents, remember that when you purchase your own safety equipment car seats and booster seats for use in motor vehicles are exempt from sales tax, as are bicycle helmets marketed for use by youth.

Any Monroe County parent who needs assistance with safety supplies or basic needs for their young children can contact Healthy Start at 305-293-8424. If you need accommodations to participate in the car seat event, call the Coalition or email [email protected] at least 5 days in advance of the meeting to make your request.