The Rapid City Fire Department has installed South Dakota’s first Safe Haven Baby Box, providing a secure and anonymous way for parents in crisis to safely surrender a newborn.
The device is located at Fire Station 1, 10 Main Street, and allows a parent to legally and anonymously surrender an unharmed infant up to 60 days old, as permitted under state law.
Once a baby is placed inside and the door closes, alarms immediately alert on‑duty firefighters and dispatch. The exterior door locks, and first responders retrieve the infant within minutes. The box is climate‑controlled and includes a hospital‑grade bassinet.
Officials say the program aims to prevent infant abandonment and ensure newborn safety while protecting a parent’s anonymity.
A ribbon‑cutting and blessing ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. at Fire Station 1.
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