News

July 30, 2014 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans EMS to Participate in Free Booster Seat Event This Weekend

This Saturday, August 2nd New Orleans EMS will be participating in a free booster seat distribution at Clearview Mall from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or until all booster seats are given away.  The event is a partnership between the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force at Interim LSU Hospital, and the Louisiana State Police.

“Moving children into a booster seat once they have outgrown their forward facing child restraint is a crucial protective step that is often overlooked.” said Lt. Liz Belcher, Public Information Officer for New Orleans EMS.  “Vehicle seat belts are designed for adults, and don’t offer smaller children the best protection in the event of a crash.  Booster seats work in conjunction with seat belts to properly restrain children and offer the best chances of reducing injuries and deaths related to motor vehicle collisions.”  Children seated in a booster seat in the back seat of a vehicle are 45% less likely to be injured in a crash than a child placed in a seat belt alone.

The following criteria must be met in order to receive a free booster seat at Saturday’s distribution event:

  • The child must be present
  • The child must weigh between 40 and 100 pounds
  • The child must be at least 4 years old
  • The child must be under 4’9” tall

Booster seats will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.  No appointment is necessary.  Nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be present to ensure caregivers are taught how to use the booster seats correctly.  Only one booster seat will be provided per child meeting the above criteria.  Caregivers are encouraged to bring all children in their family who qualify.  For any additional questions, contact Lt. Liz Belcher at (504) 940-7467.