Keeping Our Kids Safe: How Safe Kids Thurston County Empowers Local Families
At the Child Care Action Council, our mission centers on ensuring that every child has the support, care, and foundation they need to thrive. While much of our work focuses on early learning and professional development for providers, keeping children healthy and safe in their everyday environments is just as fundamental.
That is why we are proud to lead Safe Kids Thurston County, a local coalition dedicated to preventing unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death for children in the United States.
As a local branch of our organization, Safe Kids Thurston County brings together community partners, first responders, health professionals, and families to deliver practical safety education, resources, and hands-on support across our region.
What Does Safe Kids Thurston County Do?
Preventable injuries don’t have to happen. Through community outreach, equipment distribution, and evidence-based education, Safe Kids Thurston County focuses on three primary areas of child safety:
1. Child Passenger Safety (Car Seats & Booster Seats)
Navigating car seat guidelines, installations, and harness adjustments can be overwhelming for any parent. Safe Kids Thurston County offers:
- Free Car Seat Checks: Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians inspect seats, ensure proper installation, and educate parents on best practices.
- Car Seat Distribution: Providing free or low-cost car seats to eligible families in need to ensure every child rides securely.
2. Water Safety & Drowning Prevention
With so many beautiful lakes, rivers, and coastal waters in our region, water safety is a top priority, especially during the summer months. Safe Kids provides:
- Life Jacket Loans & Fitting: Helping families access properly fitted, USCG-approved life jackets before hitting the water.
- Water Safety Education: Teaching parents and children essential rules around constant supervision, swimming safety, and life jacket use.
3. Safe Sleep & Helmet Safety
Beyond cars and water, the program equips families with safety resources for every stage of childhood:
- Safe Sleep Education: Providing safe sleep guidance to parents of infants to reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents.
- Bike & Multi-Sport Helmets: Educating kids on brain safety and distributing free or low-cost fitted helmets to young riders.
Powered by Community Partnerships
Preventing injuries takes a village. Safe Kids Thurston County is proudly led by the Child Care Action Council in partnership with local fire departments, health organizations, law enforcement agencies, and dedicated volunteers. By uniting these local resources, we ensure that safety equipment and education reach the families who need them most.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you are a parent looking for a car seat check, an organization wanting to partner with us, or a community member looking to volunteer, there are many ways to connect with Safe Kids Thurston County:
- Schedule a Car Seat Check: Ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly by connecting with a certified technician.
- Access Safety Gear: Reach out to learn more about upcoming life jacket, helmet, or other safety equipment distribution events.
- Support the Program: Your donations and volunteer time help us keep essential safety gear in the hands of local families.
To learn more about upcoming events, schedule a consultation, or explore our safety resources, visit our Safe Kids Thurston County Page or contact our team today!