LITTLETON, Maine – Staff from the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, along with paramedics and firefighters from Presque Isle, are now certified to provide guidance on the proper installation and use of child safety seats.
Over the course of the four days, May 15-18, the group was immersed in a child passenger safety technician course, learning the proper techniques for installation of child safety seats as well as becoming up to date on all of the newest laws and regulations on the topic of children riding in vehicles.
Lane Mitchell, child passenger safety instructor with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, said about 74-90 percent of child safety seats are used improperly, which is why having trained individuals was key to ensuring the safety of young children in Aroostook County.
“If a person has a question or concern about whether they are using a child safety seat properly, they will be able to reach out to any of these individuals for guidance,” Mitchell said.
HBMI staff members Karen Lajoie and Megan Anderson spent the four days undergoing training at the Maliseet Community Center.
At the conclusion of the course, a free child safety seat inspection was held outside the gymnasium Thursday, March 18, for any community member. Those who were unable to attend this event, but would like to have their seats examined can contact Lajoie at the Health Center (207-532-2240) or Anderson at the Boys and Girls Club (207-538-0792).
