ROCKWELL — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most parents believe they have installed their child’s car seat correctly. But in 59 percent of the cases, they are wrong.

The Rockwell Rural Fire Department recently became one of the local fire stations certified to conduct safety checks on car seats.

“These are important for new parents who are unsure of how to properly install car seats and also important for parents that might not know how,” said Rockwell Rural Fire Chief Alan Shinn.

The department is hosting a safety check from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at the station, 320 Link St.

Shinn said there are so many ways to install car seats, and manufacturers have specifications for various vehicles.

Rockwell firefighters who are certified child passenger safety technicians have undergone 40-hour classes and are able to give parents valuable information, Shinn said.

Sept. 17-23 is Child Passenger Safety Week, which will be a time when technicians will try to educate parents on how to use car seats, booster seats and seat belts for children.

Shinn said it’s best that the child who will use the seat be at the safety check so that technicians can make sure the straps are secure and the seat is the proper size and style for the child.

Safety seat checks can also be done at the Salisbury Fire Department and Granite Quarry Fire Department.

Safety checks in Rockwell are by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 704-279-2171.