COLUMBIA, Mo. — Safe Kids Columbia, Kohl’s Department Stores and MU Children’s Hospital are teaming up during Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 18-24) to host a free safety seat check from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Kohl’s Department Store, 1010 East Green Meadows Road in Columbia.

Trained and certified technicians will check child safety seats for proper fit and installation. The technicians will advise families on using the right safety restraint, which could be a car seat, booster seat or seat belt.

 “By following a few basic guidelines, parents and caregivers can determine which restraint system is best suited to protect their children in a vehicle,” said Michele Imes, injury prevention coordinator at MU Children’s Hospital.

The event is free, but appointments are required. To reserve a time, please contact Imes at (573) 875-9216.

“Research shows that four out of five car seats are improperly installed or used incorrectly,” said Imes. “When used correctly, safety seats can greatly reduce a child’s risk for injury or even death in a motor vehicle crash.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car crashes remain the leading cause of death for children ages 3-14.

Child Passenger Safety Week is celebrated every year to remind parents and caregivers of the need to keep children of all ages properly restrained in the seat that meets their weight and height requirements.