The Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at the Plymouth Fire Department.
Under the state’s Safe Haven Law, a Safe Haven Baby Box legally permits a mother in crisis to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender a newborn if she is unable to care for the child. The mother can utilize the Safe Haven Baby Box at the Plymouth Fire Department by opening a door on an exterior wall. It automatically locks upon placement of a newborn inside the Baby Box. An interior door allows a medical staff member to tend to the child upon an alarm notification two minutes following the surrender.
Plymouth Fire Chief Steve Holm told the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety Monday night that several volunteers helped with the project.
Holm stated, “Chewy Garcia with our department he did basically all of the installation on it as well as all of the masonry work. It looks really nice. Brooke and John Large donated a lot of materials and a worker to get that installed.”
He said the device was tested this week to make sure it is ready in case there is an immediate need for the Safe Haven Baby Box.
“Detections went out to those that are supposed to get the alarms and the department was contacted that something had been placed in there. Everything should be a go from here. We will be conducting some training for the rest of our staff and volunteers as well as the police departments and such so we can get everybody familiar with it, knowledge of it, where it is, and what it is used for,” said Holm.
The board members thanked all of the volunteers and the many donors who have supplied funds for the acquisition and installation of the Safe Haven Baby Box.
