State Police, PennDOT Mark National Child Passenger Safety Week

State and local authorities will work with parents this week to make sure children are safe and secure while on the road.

State Police and PennDOT officials are encouraging parents and guardians to participate in free child passenger safety seat checkups throughout Pennsylvania as the agencies kick off National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 18-24.

State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan wrote in a press release that the local checkups will help assure parents that their children are safe and secure while on the road.

“Ensuring the safety of our most precious cargo must be our first priority every time we get behind the wheel,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan. “So anytime you have a child in your car, I urge you to take a few extra moments to make sure they are restrained properly. If anyone has any doubts about whether they are using a child safety seat properly, now is the time to visit a safety inspection location.” Each of the department’s regional troops will conduct at least one checkup during the week, with Armstrong County troopers holding a safety checkup this Saturday, September 24 at the Kittanning Township Volunteer Fire Department on Route 422 from 3-7PM.

Interested parents should contact 724-284-8100 for more information.

PennDOT funds resources such as training and educational materials for 142 fitting stations across Pennsylvania, which checked more than 5,000 car seats last year. The checkups are designed to teach parents the proper installation and use of child safety seats.

PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch wrote that materials are dispersed year-round.

“We work with our law enforcement and safety organization partners to have these checks available year-round because our children should always be safe in our vehicles,” Schoch wrote. “Nearly eight of every 10 child safety seats is installed incorrectly, so we strongly encourage parents and guardians to take advantage of these free opportunities.”

In 2010, nine children, from newborns to age eight, lost their lives in vehicle crashes in the state and more than 2,086 were injured.

Pennsylvania law requires that children under the age of 4 ride in a federally-approved car seat that is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must use a booster seat if they are no longer in a car seat. State law also requires children between the ages of 8 and 18 must use a seat belt.

PennDOT urges children to ride in the back seat at least through 12 years of age.

PennDOT officials offer child safety seats, including infant seats, convertible seats and booster seats, to families in need of them. To view a loan directory, visit the pakidstravelsafe.org Web site.

The Traffic Injury Prevention Project also helps school district officials, doctors and parents information about transportation needs of children with special health care needs, teen parents, special education students and pre-school children. Parents can also visit the pakidstravelsafe.org Web site for information or call 1-800-CAR-BELT,

The state police department’s Bureau of Patrol offered the following tips:

*        Use the car’s seat belt to anchor the seat to the car unless you are using a child safety seat with the LATCH system;

*        Read and follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions;

*        Fill out and return the registration card for your seat so parents know ifs it is recalled because of a problem;

*        Make sure the seat’s harness fits snugly; and

*        Use a tether strap if the seat requires it.

For more information on car seat safety and to check for other state police car seat safety inspection locations and dates, click on the “Public Services” link at www.psp.state.pa.us.

County, State to Remember 9/11 Sunday

Commissioner Patricia Kirkpatrick reads a proclamation urging residents to stop and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2o01 this Sunday during the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Virginia and Shanksville, Pa.

by Jonathan Weaver

County and state leaders will join together with the nation this Sunday in remembrance of the 10^th anniversary of 9/11.

On that Tuesday morning, terrorists hijacked four passenger jets: crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Virginia and one into a field near Shanksville, Pa. which was intended to crash in Washington, D.C. 2,977 Americans died in the attacks

Armstrong County Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation commemorating this Sunday as “Patriot Day” and asking residents to honor the occasion earlier this month.

Commissioner Patricia Kirkpatrick read the proclamation.

“Whereas, in honor of the anniversary of the September 11^th attacks, we ask you to stop and remember; and whereas, At 1PM Eastern Daylight Time on September 11^th, 2011, all Americans are asked to cease all regular activity for one minute; and whereas, as bells and sirens ring out, take a moment to honor the victims of the worst terrorist attack on United States soil; and whereas, governments and businesses, houses of worship and railways, fire and police departments and others are called on to ring bells and sound sirens as we observe this Moment of Remembrance; and whereas, at the same time across the country 1PM. Eastern Daylight Time, noon, Central Daylight Time, 11AM Mountain Daylight Time and 10AM Pacific Daylight Time – we call on you to reflect on the lives lost and those affected by the tragedies of 9/11; and now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the members of the Armstrong County Board of Commissioners encourage the citizens of this county join their fellow Americans to recognize and remember the tragedy of September 11, 2011 and the lives that were lost or altered by the terroristic acts that day,” Kirkpatrick read.

Commissioner James Scahill also asked county residents to join the nation and become patriotic once again.

“It’s hard to believe 10 years has passed since this country was attacked,” Scahill said. “It’s hard to believe that people are fickle about it, and can forget about the deaths that occurred by it that day. It’s amazing the spirit of America that awakened by that tragedy – all of a sudden, people got quiet when the National Anthem was played; they are back to talking while it’s on and having their ball caps on and not paying attention: we’re a fickle people, we just seem to need reminders all the time. So, I hope on this 10^th anniversary, that all the bells will ring at least for a minute, we’ll recapture that spirit, while tragic.”

Kirkpatrick said that the date is also special to her for another reason.

“September 11 is very close to me because it is my birthday,” Kirkpatrick said. “On that date as we celebrate it as a family, it was also heartbreaking because of what happened – and I still feel that emotion today. I think all Americans should feel that emotion, for everyone who lost their lives; who became heroes in Somerset County.”

Kirkpatrick remembered where she was during the attacks.

“I was at a state workshop, and when they came and notified the people, the fear in that moment was that there were planes still in the air and we didn’t know where they might be – and fear gripped the room,” Kirkpatrick said.

Statewide, Governor Tom Corbett ordered that all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at Commonwealth facilities statewide be lowered to half-staff on Sunday in honor of “Patriot Day.”