Safe Haven Baby Box

The Defiance Fire Station, with the assistance of the Defiance Zonta Club, made history in September, 2019 by installing the first Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire station in Ohio. The station was chosen due to the level of anonymity it provides. The Safe Haven Law allows people to anonymously surrender their healthy newborn without fear of criminal prosecution.

The box is equipped with an alarm system, heating and cooling features, and locks as soon as a baby is placed inside. Firefighters have been trained in operation of the box as well as the protocols in place to transport the child to the nearest hospital.

A 24-hour hotline (1-866-99BABY1, 866-992-2291) is available to give women the opportunity to talk to a trained professional as they consider safely surrendering their baby.