Berthoud Fire Protection District is dedicated to ensuring the safety of children in car seats. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), three out of every four car seats are installed incorrectly. We understand that trying to install child passenger safety seats can be difficult and complicated. That is why we are here to help!
Berthoud Fire Certified Car Seat Technicians are available, at no cost and by appointment, to help citizens with car seat installation and inspections. During a car seat installation or inspection, the car seat technician will:
- Check the child-safety seat to see that it has been properly installed.
- Diagnose problems.
- Ensure the child-safety seat is not a recalled model.
- Provide advice on how parents may choose an age-, height- and weight-appropriate child-safety seat.
- Instruct and demonstrate how to install and use the appropriate child-safety seat in the vehicle.
- Instruct and demonstrate how to correctly place a child in the appropriate child-safety seat.
- Discuss other vehicles and child-safety seats they own, and provide instructions to repeat the correct procedure with other seats or when installing the seat in other cars.
There are many resources available for parents and caregivers, which provide great information and resources where you can learn about State laws and best practices related to car seats and booster seats.
Basic Car Seat Safety Informational Flyer
Colorado Department of Transportation
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
Do you need a car seat?
Safe Kids Larimer County offers classes for families in need of a low-cost car seat or booster seat for their child. Participants can then receive a new car seat or booster seat appropriate for their child in exchange for a small donation to help support the program. Registration is required and distribution is limited to one (1) seat per family, per year. Classes are offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, including class locations, schedules, and registration, please call (970) 495-7508.
Car seat recycling
Car seats and booster seats have a limited lifespan, and should be taken out of service if they are expired, recalled, or have been in a significant crash. Berthoud Fire does not accept used car seats or car seats to be recycled.
Where can I recycle a car seat?
City of Loveland Recycling Center: Located at 400 N. Wilson Avenue
It is requested that citizens remove non-plastic parts, such as fabric, padding, Styrofoam, harness straps, buckles, etc. Non-residents may be imposed with a small fee. For more information, call 970-962-2524.
Target – Target Corporation has a Car Seat Trade-in Event twice a year, which provides an opportunity to get rid of your unwanted car seats in exchange for a 20% off coupon good towards a new car seat, car seat base, travel system or stroller, or select baby home gear.
Request A Car Seat Inspection
To schedule a car seat installation or inspection, citizens may contact BFPD in the following ways:
- Telephone our administrative offices at 970-532-2264
- Email us at info@berthoudfire.org
- Complete the Car Seat Installation/Inspection Form on this page
Your request for a car seat check will be given to one of our car seat technicians who will call you to schedule an appointment
Depending on where you live and the availability of our technicians, the car seat check will either be performed at our Station 1, 248 Welch Avenue or Station 2, 4014 W. County Road 8