Safe Havens for Newborns

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 501(c)(3) 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 if a child is left at a fire station.

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.