In 2000, the Florida Legislature enacted a statute allowing parents of newborns to leave a child, unharmed and up to three days old, at any fire rescue station, emergency medical services station or hospital, anonymously and without fear of prosecution. Volusia County Fire Services has partnered with A Safe Haven for Newborns, a not for profit 501c volunteer run statewide organization, to get the word out to the public that their firefighters are prepared to handle the situation should a child be left at a fire station. 

Volusia County Fire Services’ involvement with A Safe Haven for Newborns is due to a desire to save the life of a newborn while allowing the mother of the child to live her life knowing that the child is in good hands. The firefighters are recipients of in-house training as well as the distribution of a standard operating guideline outlining what is expected of them should a child be left at a station. The firefighters receive instruction to provide emergency medical services to the extent of their training to the child and/or mother and to arrange for immediate transport of the child to the nearest hospital. 

Because firefighters are trusted members of the community and the public congregates at community events held at the fire stations, Volusia County Fire Services believes the signs installed at the stations’ entrances will be a constant reminder to the public that we are here to help and to save lives. The signs are in full, vivid color, clearing communicating their intended message. If your fire department is interested in placing the Safe Haven for Newborn signs outside of its stations, contact Safe Haven at 1-877-767-BABY (2229) or safehaven@asafehavenfornewborns.com  for further information and artwork for the signs. 

[ A Safe Haven For Newborns ]