Cathedral City Fire & EMS is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on our roadways, with a particular focus on protecting young children. This initiative is made possible through a $64,912 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our community safe.
The grant-funded Child Passenger Safety Program runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and will expand the department’s capacity to serve families throughout the Coachella Valley.
Goals of the Program:
- Reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities in Cathedral City.
- Reduce injuries resulting from traffic crashes through preventive education and outreach.
- Decrease fatalities and injuries among vehicle occupants under the age of eight, ensuring the protection of our youngest residents.
- Increase the proper usage of child safety seats, ensuring that children are safe and secure when traveling in vehicles.
Key Program Components:
- Community-Based Child Safety Seat Checkups: Throughout the year, the department will host child safety seat inspections at community locations such as shopping centers and preschools. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) will educate parents and caregivers on proper installation, check for car seat recalls, and provide crucial resources.
- NHTSA Certification and Training: Cathedral City Fire & EMS will train and certify six additional staff members as Child Passenger Safety Technicians, doubling the department’s capacity to ensure consistent and expert support for families and caregivers.
- Education for Low-Income Families: Special efforts will be made to reach underserved communities with child safety seat education, ensuring that all families have access to life-saving knowledge.
- Free Distribution of Child Safety Seats: OTS-funded child safety seats will be distributed at no cost to families in need, in conjunction with child safety seat education efforts.
- Traffic Safety Fairs and Community Events: The department will participate in safety fairs and events across Cathedral City to promote traffic and child safety awareness.
- National Awareness Campaigns: Cathedral City Fire & EMS will actively participate in National Child Passenger Safety Week and National Heatstroke Prevention Day to raise awareness about child safety in vehicles.
- One-on-One Child Safety Seat Checkups: Families and caregivers can schedule individual appointments for child safety seat inspections by NHTSA-certified technicians to ensure their seats are properly installed and safe for use.
- Chief Michael Contreras, Cathedral City Fire & EMS, expressed the importance of this initiative: “The safety of our community, especially our children, is our top priority. This program will not only help save lives but also ensure that families have the resources and education they need to keep their children safe on the road.”
Cathedral City Fire & EMS encourages all parents, caregivers, and community members to take advantage of the free services and resources available through this grant-funded program. Together, we can reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, making our roads safer for everyone.
For more information, or to schedule a child safety seat inspection, please visit www.cathedralcityfire.org or contact the department at (760) 770-8200.
About Cathedral City Fire & EMS
Cathedral City Fire & EMS is dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment through professional services, education, and community engagement. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors in Cathedral City.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
