Manitowoc baby box becomes 10th Safe Haven location in Wisconsin

This baby box marks the 487th location in the nation and the 10th in Wisconsin. In Northeast Wisconsin, there is one in Sturgeon Bay and another in Howard.

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Baby boxes provide parents in crisis a secure, compassionate and anonymous way to surrender custody of their newborns. The temperature-controlled boxes are installed on the exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals staffed 24/7. When an infant is placed inside the box, its outer door locks automatically and a silent alarm sounds to alert medical personnel. An interior door then allows officials to promptly retrieve the baby, ensuring immediate care and protection.

Wisconsin is one of at least 14 states to have an anonymous 24/7 drop-off law for newborns. Babies can be surrendered up to 30 days old.

Last year, a newborn was safely surrendered in a baby box in Racine.

If you are a parent in crisis, you can also call or text 1-866-99BABY1 for help.