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Smoke Alarms Car Seat Info Bike Helmet Info Inspections Fire Extinguishers Fire Wise Fire Escape Plan
Bike Helmet
Information
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A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by
85%. However, it's not enough to simply wear one - you need to make sure it
fits properly.
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue is able to offer bike helmets to the community for a
small donation of $5.00 thanks to SAFE KIDS Lower Columbia. For more
information or to set up an appointment, please contact
Brandi Ballinger by email or
by phone
at 360.575.6280.
If you already have a bike helmet and would like to know if your child is
wearing it properly, read the information below. You can contact us as well
if you are unsure.
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Volunteer Liaison Janey Gregory fitting a bike helmet during our
Fire Prevention Week Open House |
POSITION:
Put the helmet on your child's head so it sits evenly between the ears and
rests low on his or her forehead - it should only be about one to two finger
widths above the eyebrow.
PADS:
Put the proper size foam
pads inside the helmet so it feels comfortable but really snug. Usually, the
helmet includes more than one size of foam pads that can be velcroed inside
the helmet for a better fit.
STRAPS:
Tighten the chin
strap as snugly as possible. Adjust the junction of front and back straps just
under the ears and secure back strap without putting pressure on the front
strap.
If it all sounds
confusing, follow the simple 5-Step Test below.
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STEP |
PROBLEM |
SOLUTION |
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1. With
one hand, gently lift the front of the helmet up and back. |
Helmet moves back
to uncover the forehead
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Tighten front strap to
junction. Also, adjust padding thickness and/or position, especially in
back. Make sure chin strap is snug. If this does not work, the helmet may
be too big.
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2. With one hand, gently
lift the back of the helmet up and forward.
|
Helmet moves forward to cover they eyes. |
Tighten
back strap. Make sure chin strap is snug. Also, adjust padding thickness
and/or position, especially in front. |
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3. Put a hand on each
side of the helmet and rock from side to side. Shake your head "no" as hard
as possible. |
Helmet slips from side to side. |
Check
padding on sides and make sure straps are evenly adjusted. |
| 4. Open
your mouth (lower jaw) as wide as possible, without moving your head. The
top of your helmet should pull down. |
Helmet does not pull down when opening your mouth. |
Tighten
chin strap. Make sure the front and back strap junction is under each ear. |
| 5. Check to see if
the front edge of the helmet covers your forehead. The front edge of the
helmet should not be more than one to two finger-widths from your eyebrows. |
Helmet does not cover the forehead. |
Position the helmet no more than one to two finger-widths above eyebrows.
Tighten any loose straps. Make adjustments so the helmet stays over the
forehead. |
Helpful Hints for Purchasing a Bike Helmet:
Buy one that has been tested and approved for protection. You can tell this by
looking for an ASTM, ANSI, or Snell sticker on the inside.
Select a brand and size that fits well prior to any adjustments. Adjustable
sizing pads are often included to help ensure a better fit. Buy one that's
comfortable and attractive. You'll be more likely to wear it.
Buy a helmet that fits your child now, not a helmet to "grow into."
Download
this PDF for "How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet", with a four (4) minute fitting guide
instruction sheet.
Replace any helmet that has been involved in a crash!
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