The Berrien County Health Department and Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to launch Buckle Up Berrien.

It’s a new countywide initiative focused on child passenger safety.

The program unites law enforcement, health professionals and community partners to help families ensure their children are safely secured in vehicles.

The first event takes place Tuesday, November 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Niles Fire Department.

Families can receive free car seat safety inspections, installation help and tips from certified technicians. Organizers say proper restraints can cut a child’s risk of death in a crash by half.