Willowfork Fire Department Launches First-Ever Free Car Seat Safety Event for Katy Families
For parents and caregivers, few responsibilities are more important than keeping children safe on the road. That's why the Willowfork Fire Department is inviting Katy-area families to take part in its first-ever Free Car Seat Safety Event, designed to help ensure children are riding as safely as possible every time they travel.
The event will take place on Wednesday, June 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Willowfork Fire Station 2, located at 26950 Cinco Ranch Boulevard in Katy. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to work one-on-one with families, providing hands-on instruction and personalized guidance on proper car seat installation and harnessing.
For growing communities like Katy and Cinco Ranch, events like this offer more than just education—they provide peace of mind for parents navigating ever-changing safety recommendations as children grow.
Why Proper Car Seat Installation Matters
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), correctly used child restraint systems reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants under age one and by 54% for children ages one to four in passenger vehicles.
Yet many families may be surprised to learn that car seat misuse remains common. Safety experts regularly find issues such as loose installations, improperly positioned harnesses, and children transitioning too early to the next type of restraint system. The National Transportation Safety Board notes that many children are restrained but not appropriately restrained for their age, size, or weight.
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the United States. In 2023, more than 1,000 children ages 14 and younger lost their lives in traffic crashes nationwide, and 43% of those children were not properly buckled.
That's why certified car seat inspections have become an important resource for families across the country.
What Families Can Expect at the Event
During the free event, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will:
- Review your child's current car seat setup
- Demonstrate proper installation techniques
- Check harness fit and adjustment
- Answer questions about transitioning between car seat stages
- Provide personalized recommendations based on a child's age, height, and weight
Rather than simply inspecting a seat, technicians will teach caregivers how to correctly install and use the seat themselves, helping ensure safe travel long after the event ends.
Free Car Seats Available for Qualifying Families
A limited number of car seats will be available for families who demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements.
This component of the program helps ensure that every child has access to appropriate passenger safety equipment regardless of a family's financial circumstances.
Appointment Information
Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at freeseatcheck.as.me/WillowforkFD.
Families with questions can call 832-824-3483 for additional information.
Supporting Safer Roads in Katy
The event is a collaborative effort involving the Willowfork Fire Department, Safe Kids Greater Houston, Texas Children's Hospital, and the Texas Department of Transportation's Save a Life Program.
As Katy continues to grow, community partnerships focused on education and prevention play an important role in protecting local families. A few minutes spent checking a car seat today could help prevent serious injuries tomorrow.
Event Details
Willowfork Fire Department Free Car Seat Safety Event
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Willowfork Fire Station 2, 26950 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, TX 77494
- Appointments Required: freeseatcheck.as.me/WillowforkFD
- Questions: 832-824-3483
Families are encouraged to reserve a spot early and take advantage of this opportunity to receive expert guidance on one of the most important safety devices their child uses every day.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Katy-area family safety events, community resources, and local updates.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
