Volusia County Fire
Services fire stations designated safe havens for newborns
State of Florida law allows parents of newborns to leave an unharmed
child, up to three days of age, at any fire rescue station, emergency
medical services station or hospital, anonymously and without fear of
prosecution. Volusia County Fire Services has joined with A Safe Haven
for Newborns, a not for profit 501C volunteer run statewide
organization, to proclaim to the public that their fire stations are
designated as Safe Havens for Newborns. Signs have been placed at the
entrance of each Volusia County Fire Services fire station indicating
that the firefighters inside are ready to handle the situation should a
child be left at a fire station.
The firefighters have received in-house
training detailing what is expected of them in the event of a child
being left at a station. In addition, supply kits are maintained in each
station with the basics (diapers, wipes, pacifiers, etc) necessary to
care for an infant for a limited period of time. Immediate transport of
the child to the nearest hospital is scheduled for any child left at a
fire station.
