Fire stations: refuge for unwanted infants Fire stations: refuge for unwanted infants (March 09, 2005)

By Andrea Gemmet

Almanac Staff Writer

As of this month, abandoned newborns can be safely -- and legally -- surrendered at local fire stations.

A state law was passed in 2000 that created "safe surrender" sites where newborns could be given up with no questions asked and reclaimed within 14 days if a parent had a change of heart.

The law is credited with preventing the deaths of more than 60 babies who might have perished of exposure or lack of medical attention.

Last week, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors agreed to make fire stations throughout the county safe surrender sites, in addition to hospitals. The only exceptions will be volunteer fire stations that are not staffed full-time, such as those in Kings Mountain, La Honda and Loma Mar.

"We're proud to be part of it. We think it's a really good thing, and it will protect the lives of children," said Chief Paul Wilson of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. "There are situations where people aren't able to care for an infant, so they can bring them here and they'll be taken care of."

Surrendered newborns will be fitted with a numbered identity bracelet, have their condition assessed by a paramedic, and then be taken to the hospital or the Family Services Agency, as needed, Chief Wilson said. The ID bracelets will help mothers with second thoughts track down their babies, he said.

Safe surrender fire stations in Woodside, Redwood City and South County have already posted signs and are ready to accept infants, said Armando Muela, a battalion chief with the Woodside Fire Protection District. The distinctive yellow diamond-shaped signs show a symbol of a baby cradled in an adult's arms, and information on the program is being produced in English and Spanish, Chief Wilson said.

"If someone does come, we want them to make sure the firefighters are there at the stations," he said. "We'd hate to have a newborn at the door and nobody home to take care of it."

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