On Friday, University of Missouri Children's Hospital and Kohl's Department Stores are teaming up for a free bicycle helmet giveaway and fitting event from 9 to 11 a.m. at MU Women's and Children's Hospital.
The first 30 children 14 years and younger attending the event will receive a free bicycle helmet and fitting.
Once the free helmets have been given away, the free fitting event will continue for any parents who want to have their child properly fitted for a bicycle helmet.
Trained safety experts will demonstrate bicycle safety for kids through video presentations, helmet checks and educational materials. The safety experts will also be available to answer questions from parents about bicycle safety.
The free helmets are provided thanks to Kohl's annual support of the Kohl's Safety Store at MU Children's Hospital. The online store provides car seats, bicycle helmets and additional safety items to needy families in 10 mid-Missouri counties.
Kohl's is renewing its support of the Kohl's Safety Store with a $41,789 donation to MU Children's Hospital.
You can visit the Kohl's online safety store by clicking here.
Saturday, Safe Kids Columbia, Kohl's Department Stores and MU Children's Hospital are teaming up during Child Passenger Safety Week to host a free safety seat check from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Kohl's Department Store on Green Meadows Road.
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, you can call (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.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKRCG