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QUINCY, ILL. -- SAFE KIDS Kids Adams County is sponsoring a used car seat disposal tomorrow from 10 a.m.-noon at the Kohl's parking lot in Quincy.

If you dispose of a car seat, you'll receive a $10 gift certificate from Kohl's.

Car seats become unsafe and unusable for many reasons, one being age.  Car seats are made of plastic and fabric.  After several years of normal wear and tear, those materials tend to break down, making them unsafe for use.  SAFE KIDS recommends that seats be destroyed after six years.  Check with the manufacturer of your seat to determine how long the company recommends using its seat.  

The following check list will help to answer any questions you may have about whether your seat is safe for continued use:

Does the seat have a label showing it was manufactured less than six years ago?
     YES, continue
     NO, throw away the seat!  It no longer is safe and should not be used.

Does the seat have a label showing that it meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards?
     YES, continue
     NO, throw away the seat!  It no longer is safe and should not be used.

Has the seat been recalled for safety defects?  (To find out, call the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-327-4236; give the model number and date of manufacture of the seat.)
     YES, if the defects have been corrected, continue.  If they have not been corrected, throw away the seat!
     NO, continue

Has the seat been involved in a vehicle crash?
     YES, throw away the seat!  It no longer is safe and should not be used.
     NO, continue

Are there any cracks, bends or breaks in the plastic shell or metal frame?
     YES, throw away the seat!  It no longer is safe and should not be used.
     NO, continue

Do you have a copy of the manufacturer's insutructions?
     YES, continue
     NO, call the Auto Safety Hotline (1-888-327-4236) for the telephone number of the manufacturer to request instructions.

Does the seat have all of its parts:  harness straps, retainer clips, padding, shield, tether, straps and bolts?
     YES, continue
     NO, throw away or obtain replacement parts from the manufacturer.

Are the harness straps worn or frayed?
     YES, throw away or obtain replacements parts from the manufacturer.
     NO, continue

Does the buckle area show signs of rust?
     YES, throw away or obtain replacements parts from the manufacturer.
     NO, continue

Does the buckle latch mechanism fasten securely, remain fastened and unfasten smoothly?
     YES, use the seat!
     NO, throw away the seat or obtain replacement parts from the manufacturer.