Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Parents can participate in a child fingerprinting and safety seat inspection this Saturday at the Child Safety Event in Sevierville.
The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) will hold a free Child Safety Event on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Cash One, 741 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville.
Child fingerprinting services will be available at the event. While a child’s appearance may quickly change as a child grows, fingerprints remain unchanged throughout a person’s life. The Sevierville Police Department highly recommends that parents keep a record of their child fingerprinting and a recent photo on hand, so that they can be used in the event the child is lost or abducted.
“We are fortunate to live in an area with a low crime rate, however, I cannot over emphasize the importance of being prepared in case your child is lost or abducted,” said Sevierville Police Department Chief Don Myers. “This information would greatly assist law enforcement personnel in locating your child.”
In addition to child fingerprinting, there are other steps parents and caregivers can take to be prepared in case their child becomes missing. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recommends parents take a photo of their child every six months, or more frequently if a child’s appearance changes, and to have a complete and current written description of the child. Collect a sample of the child’s DNA using any number of kits available and also know where the child’s medical and dental records can be obtained.
Certified technicians will also inspect child safety seats, demonstrate proper installation techniques and offer general assistance at the Child Safety Event. The current child restraint law applies to many children up to the age of 9-years-old and SPD officers will be available to answer questions regarding the child restraint law.
The Sevierville Police Department said they have learned through past safety seat inspection events that many child car safety seats are no longer safe due to past accidents, the age of the seat, manufacturer recalls or missing parts. According to the SPD, over 90% of child car safety seats are improperly installed and this can have devastating results, as 40% of child fatalities in traffic accidents are due to improperly installed child car safety seats.
Find out more about choosing the right child car seat and proper car seat installation at Parents Central.
“The SPD is committed to keeping our children safe, so when we determine that a child car safety seat is unsafe, we will provide a new seat to parents who cannot otherwise afford a replacement,” the department said.
Parents unable to make it to this event can visit the Sevierville Police Department at 300 Gary Wade Blvd. in Sevierville for a child safety seat inspection. Please call 865-453-5507 to ensure a technician is on duty.
