Parents and caregivers across Jefferson County have a valuable opportunity this weekend: a free car seat safety check and community health resource fair is coming to Madras on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is hosted by Jefferson County Public Health in partnership with Safe Kids Oregon and the Family Resource Center of Central Oregon. It will be held at the Jefferson County Public Health Community Room, 500 NE A Street in Madras — free and open to all county families.
What to Expect
- Certified car seat safety checks: Trained technicians will inspect your child's car seat installation and fit at no charge. They will show you what's right, what needs adjusting, and how to do it correctly.
- Discounted car seats: New car seats available for $25 each while supplies last — a fraction of typical retail cost.
- Free pizza for attendees throughout the day.
- Raffle prizes drawn during the event.
- Free childcare available during car seat checks so parents can focus on the process without distraction.
- Community resource booths featuring local health, social services, and family support organizations.
Why Car Seat Safety Matters
Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of injury death for children in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that properly installed car seats reduce the risk of death by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger vehicle crashes. Yet studies consistently show that a large portion of car seats in everyday use are installed or used incorrectly — which is exactly why hands-on events like this one are so valuable.
Jefferson County's rural geography means many families regularly travel long distances on U.S. 26, U.S. 97, and other highways. That makes proper child restraint use especially critical for local residents.
No Registration Required
There's no need to sign up in advance. Simply bring your child's car seat — installed in your vehicle — and arrive anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will guide you through a complete inspection and help with any adjustments on the spot.
Event Details
- When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Jefferson County Public Health Community Room, 500 NE A St., Madras
- Cost: Free (car seats available for purchase at $25 while supplies last)
- Phone: (541) 475-4456
Jefferson County Public Health encourages all families with young children to take advantage of this free resource. Events like this are infrequent in a rural county — Saturday's event is a rare chance to get professional guidance at no cost, close to home.