Safe Kids Johnston County

08/20/2026

This is such an important reminder, especially as we gear up for the start of a new school year!
Back-to-school often means new routines—carpools, rides with grandparents, family members, babysitters, friends, or other parents.
As caregivers, we put so much thought into making sure our children are riding safely in our vehicles—but what about when they're riding with someone else?
Car seat safety doesn't change just because the driver does.
As you make those back-to-school transportation plans, take a few minutes to make sure anyone driving your child knows how to use their car seat or booster correctly.
And never be afraid to speak up about buckling up—every child, every ride, every time.

Did you know that 58% of caregivers say their child rides with another driver at least once a week? But 30% of carpool drivers admit they don’t always follow safety rules, like using seat belts or the appropriate car seat or booster. And 80% of caregivers have noticed others doing the same. No matter who's driving, no matter how short the car ride is, make sure every ride is a safe one. Everyone in your car should be buckled up, using the right car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for their age and size.

07/29/2026

Car seat safety is more than simply having a car seat—it’s choosing the right seat for your child and using it correctly on every ride. 🚗💙

Small details, such as keeping your child rear-facing as long as possible, securing the seat properly, and using the tether for a forward-facing seat, can make a lifesaving difference.

Please take a moment to review these important reminders from our friends at Safe Kids North Carolina and share them with the parents and caregivers in your life. Together, we can help keep our youngest passengers safe on every trip!

🙋‍♀️ Need a little extra help? Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. We’re here to help you feel confident that your child’s car seat is being used and installed correctly!

07/29/2026

On July 18th, Safe Kids took part in LICC's 4th annual Child Wellness & Resource Event. We shared resources with the families including a Hot Car Demo where we made Smores!

07/27/2026

❤️ Help Us Keep Kids Safe—Join Safe Kids Johnston County! ❤️

Preventable injuries impact children every day. Safe Kids Johnston County is dedicated to reducing childhood injuries by educating families and caregivers, improving safety practices, and strengthening community partnerships.

We are looking for new members who share our passion for protecting children and supporting the adults in the life.. Whether you work with children and their caregivers, represent a local organization, or are simply looking for a meaningful way to serve your community, we would love to have you join us!

Come to our next meeting to learn more about our programs, meet our coalition members, and discover how you can get involved.

📅 Next Meeting: Thursday, August 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 am
📍 Location: Partnership for Children of Johnston County
1406-A S Po***ck Street, Selma NC
💻 Zoom: https://Bit.ly/SafeKidsMeeting

Anyone can play a role in preventing childhood injuries.
By working together, we can create a safer Johnston County for every child.

Please message us for more information or to let us know you’re interested!

07/20/2026

Just 10 minutes = 20 degrees. Never leave a child alone in a car, not even for a minute.

07/14/2026

🚂 Choo Choo Choose Safety was a day full of learning, exploration, and fun with Read to Grow JoCo and Safe Kids Johnston County!

Families came together to learn about railroad safety from Ain Flowers of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, who shared key tips on staying safe around train tracks and crossings.

Participants also had the chance to explore fire trucks at the Selma Fire Department before visiting the Selma Train Station. There, Fire Chief Brannon Barbee and Amtrak Officer Alyssa O'Connell shared the railway's rich history, explained railroad terms, and offered a close-up look at how rail transportation is vital to our community.

A special thank you to Selma Fire Department and Amtrak , who helped make this educational event possible, and to the families who joined us for a day of learning and discovery! 🚒🚆🚆

07/14/2026

Santa Claus came to town... in the middle of summer! ☀️🏖️

Today at Little Nuggets and Me, Santa stopped by Chick-fil-A Smithfield Selma to read a book about his summer beach adventures! After the story, our young readers joined Read to Grow JoCo Paws for Reading and adopted stuffed buddies to inspire daily reading.

Thank you to all the families who joined us for a morning filled with stories, imagination, smiles, and a little Holiday magic in July! 🎄

See you at the next Little Nuggets and Me!

07/14/2026

As temperatures rise, so do the risks on the road. Extreme heat can impact your vehicle's performance and put passengers at risk if you're not prepared. Take a few minutes to review these helpful safety tips—and share them with family and friends. Together, we can help keep our community safe this summer! ☀️🚗❤️

Another heat wave is here! 🥵🌡️

Extreme heat can affect everything from your passengers to your tires, battery and more. A little preparation saves lives and prevents breakdowns! ⤵️

07/08/2026

Are you unsure if your child is really ready to move to the next stage? Ask your question here or give a call and one of our child passenger safety technicians will walk you through the stages and when it is appropriate to transition to the next stage.

Most kids between 8 - 12 years old should be in a booster seat. CPSTs are trained educators in car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Find a CPST to learn if your child can safely ride without a booster seat. https://bit.ly/4vSdUGD


National Safety Council NHTSA Safe Kids Worldwide

07/07/2026

How hot do you think the inside of a parked car gets? 🚗☀️

For Hot Car Prevention Month, we asked members of our team to guess the temperature inside a parked vehicle, and their reactions to the actual answer were unforgettable.

The truth is, the temperature inside a car can become dangerously hot much faster than most people realize. As of July 5th, there have been 10 pediatric (or child) deaths in the US due to vehicular heatstroke, according to noheatstroke.org.

An important reminder: Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, not even for a second. Together, we can keep our children safe this summer.