McKenzie Fire Department Installs Safe Haven Baby Box

McKenzie’s Safe Haven Baby Box is officially installed, but it is not yet fully operational according to the McKenzie Fire Department.

The box, which was installed on the front-facing exterior wall of McKenzie’s fire station, is still in a testing phase. Individuals are asked to not open the box until all phases are complete.

Once operational, Safe Haven Baby Box will give local mothers in crisis an anonymous, last-resort option to ensure the safe surrender of infants.

The Safe Haven Baby Box’s exterior door will lock automatically after a newborn is placed inside. An interior door allows medical personnel to promptly and securely retrieve the baby, ensuring immediate care and protection.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring this life-saving resource to our community and have a community that meets the needs,” said the McKenzie Fire Department.

McKenzie’s nearest Safe Haven Baby Boxes are located in Jackson, Tenn. (39 miles away) and Murray, Ky. (35 miles away). The next closest option is almost 100 miles away.

The State of Tennessee allows face-to-face and baby box surrenders for infants up to 45 days old.