Car seat use is one of the best ways to keep children safe and is required in most states. According to Maryland Department of Transportation, one of every two car seats are not installed properly.
The Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service (MCFRS) infant and child car seat safety program is available to help families install and use car seats. County residents may schedule an appointment for either an in-person or virtual car seat check.
In-person Car Seat Checks
Residents have the option to make an appointment for an in-person car seat check. Safety Technicians will teach attendees how to install and use your car seat correctly. Appointments take approximately 30 minutes per car seat. Currently, car seat appointments will be held during the following times:
- Thursday evenings 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Third Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to Noon
Takoma Park Fire Station 2
7201 Carroll Avenue - Second and fourth Sundays of the month from 8 a.m. to Noon
First Wednesday of the month from 8 a.m. to Noon
Germantown Fire station 34
20633 Boland Farm Road - Thursday morning from 8 a.m. t Noon
First Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to Noon
Aspen Hill Fire Station 25
14401 Co0nnecticut Avenue - Third Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Rockville Fitzgerald Buick/GMC
5501 Nicholson Lane
No appointment is necessary. Learn more here.
Virtual Car Seat Assistance
Alternatively, residents may schedule a video appointment to receive remote face-to-face education and guidance on car seat usage and limited installation assistance via video chat. Appointments are typically 30 minutes long and may use Google Hangouts, Face time, Skype, Whats App, or Zoom. MCFRS offers the following steps to prepare for a virtual car seat appointment:
- Have your car seat and vehicle manual on hand.
- Have your car seat ready to install or if already installed, be near your vehicle.
- Please have specific questions ready to ask during your appointment.
- Have your phone charged.
- Have a doll or teddy bear handy so you can go learn to correctly harness the doll.
Call 240.777.2223 or email fire.carseatsafetyprogram@montgomerycountymd.gov with specific questions regarding child passenger safety, to make an appointment by phone. Expect to leave a message.
Car Seat Fact Sheets
Selecting the Right Car Seat (PDF, 435 KB)
Installing Your Child’s Car Seat Tightly (PDF, 657 KB)
Check Your Child’s Car Seat! (PDF, 407 KB)
