Non-emergency Number:  (440) 647-2245       Fax:  (440) 647-4740

Mission Statement: 

Proudly serving since 1881, the Wellington Community Fire District protects the citizens and property of our six communities, by providing professional, courteous, and cost effective fire prevention, protection, and emergency services. 

Ohio's New Car Seat Law   On January 6, 2009 Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland signed the “Sub. House Bill 320”, known as the booster bill.  This will require children who are between the ages of 4 years old and 8 years old, or 4’9” tall to be secured in a booster seat while in a motor vehicle. Also, every child from 8 to 15 years old who are not secured in a car seat must be secured in the vehicle’s seat belt.   This law will be in effect October 7, 2009.  There will be a six month warning period and full enforcement starts April 7, 2010.  There are exceptions to this law:  life threatening emergencies, vehicles with lap belts only, taxis, and public safety vehicles.  Also, physicians and chiropractors may issue an affidavit of exemption (but need to address how the child should be safely restrained in the affidavit).   Board member Debbie Hersman of the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) was quoted on their web site, “We applaud the state of Ohio for taking this action that will save children’s lives and keep them more secure.” “Seat belts were not designed with our littlest passengers in mind and they can even cause them harm. Child safety seats and booster seats are necessary to properly restrain and protect children in a vehicle.”   If you have any questions about this new law, or about child car seat safety, please call the Wellington Fire District at 440-647-2245 or e-mail WFDcarseat@gmail.com   Car seat safety information for the best possible protection: Infants are to be in a rear-facing child safety seat, in the back seat of the vehicle, until a minimum age of one year and 20 pounds. Children are to be in a forward-facing child safety seat, in the back seat of the vehicle, until the age of 4 and 40 pounds. Children are to be in a booster seat, in the back seat of a vehicle, until they are 8 years of age or 4’9” tall. Once the child has outgrown the booster seat, they will use the vehicle’s seat belt system as long as it fits the child properly, across the lap at the hips, and across the chest on the shoulder. The back seat is the safest.  Children under 13 should ride in the back seat.