MASSENA -- To help parents make sure their children are as safe as possible, the North Country Child Safety Coalition sponsors a car seat checkup from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at the Massena Fire Station, 34 Andrews St.

Trained child passenger safety technicians will be available to provide advice and installation help. This will be a “drop in” checkpoint, where parents do not need to make an appointment ahead of time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently revised their recommendations for safety seats so that children aren’t prematurely “graduated” to less protective seats.

To be safe, a car seat with harness should be installed so that it doesn’t move more than one inch from side to side or front to back when tested at the belt path. The harness should be snug and the harness retainer clip should be at armpit level.

“More than 9 out of 10 seats that come into our local checkpoints have errors,” said Mary Davison of the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program. “The New York State Child Passenger Safety Programs are committed to teaching parents the very simple corrections that they can make to improve their child’s safety.”

If possible, those who attend the seat check should bring the car seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual with them. Children should be present to ensure proper fit and harnessing. Expectant parents are welcome.

The event is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, and sponsored by the North Country Child Passenger Safety Coalition. There is no charge for the service. Those with questions should contact the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program at 379-2306.