Safe Kids Elkhart County

The History of Safe Kids

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. More than 450 coalitions in 16 countries bring together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments, and volunteers to educate and protect families.

Safe Kids Elkhart County began in 1991 as a coalition of public health and safety professionals and interested community volunteers to promote injury prevention through education and awareness. The mission remains the same today.

While injury is a threat to children everywhere, significant progress has been made in the Elkhart County community to reduce the risks. This progress must continue and the lessons learned from years of injury prevention work must be renewed, expanded, and adapted to help create an overall culture of safety awareness.

By working with Safe Kids Worldwide, the Elkhart County coalition shall:

• Engage the community and provide education to children and parents to prevent accidental injuries.
• Provide lifesaving devices, such as child safety seats, helmets, and smoke alarms to families who need them.
• Generate awareness regarding the burden of accidental injuries
• Work with policymakers, elected officials to improve child safety laws and regulations.
  

Safe Kids Goals

Our Mission Statement:

Safe Kids Elkhart County is a coalition of community partners working to prevent accidental death and injury to children. We empower families and our community to:

• Educate children and adults
• Create safe environments
• Conduct research and
• Advocate for more effective laws

Our Vision Statement:

Safe Kids Elkhart County’s vision is to eliminate unintentional injuries and death to children of all ages. We offer several displays, presentations, and literature to the public. Subjects include, but are not limited to:

• Safety at pools/Open water areas
• Playground Safety
• Sports Injury Prevention
• Poison Prevention
• Railroad Safety
• Home Safety
• Car Seat Safety

For more information about Safe Kids Elkhart County please call 574-523-2112 to speak with the Safe Kids Coordinator.

Car Seat Checks

We all want our children to travel safely in cars. Installing a car seat for younger children and babies can be a challenge. Here at the health department, we can connect you to child passenger safety (CPS) technicians in your community who can check to ensure your car seats are installed correctly and teach you how to use and install a car seat on your own.

Depending on your car seat and vehicle, this one-on-one education typically takes 20-30 minutes. The technician will take the necessary time until you feel comfortable that your car seat is used and installed correctly.

During the checkup, a CPS Technician will:

• Fill out a car seat check form to document the process (including car seat type, location in the vehicle, misuse observations, etc.). The form may be electronic or on paper.
• Review car seat selection appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height as well as review factors affect its proper use.
• Review the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that both are followed correctly.
• Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used.
• Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage, and an expiration date.
• Guide your installation of the car seat. You are encouraged to ask to learn how to install the car seat in different seating positions with different installation techniques.
• Discuss the next steps for your child, such as when to move to the next type of car seat.
• Discuss your state laws and best practice recommendations for occupant safety.
• Discuss the benefits of everyone riding properly restrained, including all adults.
• Discuss safety in and around the vehicle.
• Answer any questions you may have, so ask away.

If you are a business or service provider in the community, you can also reach out to have a car seat clinic scheduled at your facility for those you serve.

If any of this interests you and you wish to set up an appointment, please reach out to the health department at (574) 523-2283 and ask to speak about car seat checks.

Safe Kids Advisory Board

Safe Kids Elkhart County Advisory Board consists of community representatives and professionals. General membership meetings are open to the public. Committee members prepare a slate for board members and officers before the annual election.

The membership team will also assist committees in finding new members as requested. Their mission is to expand agency, business, professional, and community involvement within the coalition.

For more information about being a part of the Safe Kids board or becoming a volunteer, please call 574-523-2112.