San Antonio Fire Stations Now Host Safe Haven Baby Boxes

San Antonio now has three operational Safe Haven Baby Boxes at fire stations.

The units were installed following a three-year approval process by the City Council. A blessing ceremony took place Tuesday morning at Fire Station 7 on South St. Mary’s Street in the downtown area. The other two boxes are located at Fire Station 18 on South W.W. White Road on the East Side and at Fire Station 24 on Austin Highway on the Northeast Side.

Joe Arrington, the public information officer for the San Antonio Fire Department, said the locations were chosen based on history. He noted that these specific areas have seen babies surrendered in difficult circumstances. The department aims to give mothers a safe option when they need to surrender an infant. The boxes serve as a way to protect the public and the most vulnerable residents.

Each unit consists of a climate-controlled box or bassinet situated in a designated area of the fire station. The system is electronically monitored. Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Box, explained the alarm sequence. An alarm sounds when the outside door opens. A second alarm activates when a baby is placed inside. The door then locks automatically. Dispatch and the firefighters on duty are alerted immediately upon the alarms sounding. The crew moves to the box to attend to the child.

Arrington stated that firefighters and paramedics monitor the child instantly. Dispatch also acts as a backup safety measure. If the station is busy and crews are out on a call, another apparatus, such as an engine or ambulance, is sent to assess the baby. This ensures the infant receives necessary care without delay.

Kelsey described the mission as personal. She was abandoned as an infant in 1973. She dedicated her life to ensuring mothers have options and babies have a safe place. The boxes also allow mothers to keep their decision anonymous. She expressed confidence that the boxes will save many lives in San Antonio.

For parents who cannot travel to one of the three new sites, Arrington reminded the public of the Baby Moses Law. This law allows for the legal surrender of an infant at any fire station. It applies only to babies who are 60 days old or younger and have not been harmed.