News Releases

June 5, 2009
First Steps and Troup County Sheriff's Office Launch Car Safety Seat ID Program

(from left) Amy Osbahr, First Steps assistant coordinator; Bridget Baker, First Steps coordinator, Chief Deputy Frank Kirby, Major Steve Flournoy and Sergeant Kelli Ellington introduce the child car safety seat identification and information program called, “We Have a Little Emergency” (W.H.A.L.E.).

No one plans to have an automobile accident. But, now thanks to the First Steps program of West Georgia Health System and the Troup County Sheriff’s office, families can be better prepared to protect their loved ones should an accident happen. The two organizations have partnered to launch a new child car safety seat identification and information program called, “We Have a Little Emergency” (W.H.A.L.E.). The program aims to ensure the safety of families’ youngest passengers — children aged four and younger.

Every year, thousands of children under age four are involved in automobile accidents. If the parents or adult passengers in the car are seriously injured and cannot speak to emergency personnel, it could take longer to identify and gather vital information on the child.

That’s where W.H.A.L.E. can make a significant difference. The information and identification kits, provided by the Troup County Sherriff’s Office, include two safety seat stickers, two window stickers, an identification label, and brochure. The blue and white W.H.A.L.E. stickers help alert emergency responders to the identification label on the back of the child’s car seat. The identification label contains Parent/Guardian’s name, address, city, state, home and work phone numbers; as well as emergency contact information; the child’s name, nickname, photo and date of birth; and a place for a list of allergies, medications or conditions of the child.

All Troup County families who deliver babies at West Georgia Health System will receive a free W.H.A.L.E. kit from their First Steps representative. The First Steps program provides emotional and parental support, as well as, parenting education and referrals to community resources for new parents up to three months after the birth of their child. The program is a model of PCA Georgia and is supported in part by the Governor’s Office for Children and Families through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly.

“With the WHALE kits, emergency personnel will be able to quickly identify the child and his or her special needs,” said Sheriff Donny Turner. “This will not only help the rescue effort go more smoothly, but will help give comfort and peace-of-mind to a frightened child.”

First Steps Coordinator Bridget Baker said the W.H.A.L.E. kits are great tools for families but must be updated regularly.

“It is extremely important to keep this information current,” said Baker. “The child’s picture should be updated and corrections should be noted on the information sticker as details change.”

Baker also added that W.H.A.L.E. car seats should not be shared with other siblings. Only the named child should ride in the car seat with the identification label.

For information on First Steps or W.H.A.L.E. programs call, 706-812-2266.