The Hermitage Fire Department announced plans to create a safe place for parents in crisis to surrender infant children. The department revealed on Facebook that a Safe Haven Baby Box will be installed at Hermitage Fire Station 1, 2511 Highland Road.

The fire department post states that the project reflects a continued commitment to public safety and community well-being. Once the installation is complete, the box will provide an alternative for families facing overwhelming circumstances. The goal is to offer a secure, anonymous, and legal option for parents in crisis to safely surrender an infant.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are designed to be installed on the exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals. The device is climate-controlled and monitored 24 hours a day. When a parent places a newborn inside the box, the exterior door locks automatically. An alarm immediately alerts on-duty personnel inside the building, ensuring a rapid response. An interior door allows medical personnel to securely retrieve the baby and provide immediate care.

According to information provided by the department and the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization, these devices serve as a resource for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for their newborns. The organization notes that while every situation is unique, parents often face emotional and practical challenges that can lead to desperate decisions. The boxes are intended to prevent unsafe abandonment by providing a safe beginning for the child.

The Safe Haven Baby Box organization has been in operation since 2016. In addition to installing the boxes, the group raises awareness of Safe Haven laws through a national 24-hour hotline and billboards placed in high-traffic areas. The organization emphasizes that it offers complete anonymity for those using the boxes. There are no cameras installed at the box locations.

The organization also addresses regulatory questions regarding the devices. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that the baby box does not qualify as a medical device and therefore does not require FDA approval. Additionally, because the boxes are not sold commercially, they are not subject to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. While there is no legislation mandating UL approval, the organization partners with a third party for performance testing to ensure the boxes function properly.

The concept of a safe place to surrender an infant is not new. According to the organization, "baby hatches" have existed in various forms for centuries, dating back to medieval times. Modern versions of these devices are currently used in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Pakistan, and Malaysia. In the United States, Arizona also utilizes "baby drawers" at designated hospitals.

The Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization also focuses on education. Teams travel to fire stations and hospitals to train firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and other healthcare professionals on Safe Haven Law. This training is designed to ensure that surrendered infants receive appropriate care and protection.

The Hermitage Fire Department indicated that additional details regarding the timeline for installation will be shared as the project moves forward. The department is currently accepting donations from the community to support the project by following the link below.